- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                         ANNEX D

                UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                  FORM 10-K/A
                                AMENDMENT NO. 1

<Table>
        
(Mark One)
   [X]     ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
           SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

           FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED: DECEMBER 31, 2003

                                  OR


   [ ]     TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
           SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

           FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM           TO        .
</Table>

                          COMMISSION FILE NO. 0-24333

                             RAINBOW RENTALS, INC.
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

<Table>
                                            
                     OHIO                                        34-1512520
       (State or other jurisdiction of                        (I.R.S. Employer
        incorporation or organization)                      Identification No.)

                         3711 STARR CENTRE DRIVE, CANFIELD, OH 44406
                          (Address of principal executive offices)
</Table>

                                  330-533-5363
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

          SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
                                      NONE

          SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:
                           COMMON STOCK, NO PAR VALUE
                                (Title of Class)

     Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant
was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes [X]     No [ ]

     Indicate by checkmark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K.  [ ]

     Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934)  Yes [
]     No [X]

     The aggregate market value of voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the
Registrant was approximately $12.3 million at June 30, 2003. The number of
common shares outstanding at March 1, 2004 was 5,931,819.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                EXPLANATORY NOTE

Rainbow Rentals, Inc. (the "Company") is filing this Amendment No. 1 of our
Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2003 as filed by
the Company on March 5, 2004 to revise an unintentional typographical error to
the total liabilities and shareholders' equity on the consolidated balance
sheet. The Company also revised the signature page to include its Chief
Accounting Officer. The Company is not making any other changes to the 10-K
originally filed on March 5, 2004. For convenience and ease of reference, the
Company is filing this Annual Report in its entirety with the applicable
changes. Unless otherwise stated, all information contained in the amendment is
as of March 5, 2004, the filing date of the Annual Report of Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2003. This Amendment No. 1 to the Annual Report on Form
10-K/A should be read in conjunction with the Company's filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

                             RAINBOW RENTALS, INC.

                                     INDEX

<Table>
                                                                  
                                   PART I
Item 1.   Business....................................................    2
Item 2.   Properties..................................................   10
Item 3.   Legal Proceedings...........................................   10
Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.........   10

                                  PART II
Item 5.   Market for Registrant's Common Stock and Related Stockholder
          Matters.....................................................   10
Item 6.   Selected Financial Data.....................................   12
Item 7.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
          and Results of Operations...................................   13
Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market
          Risk........................................................   22
Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.................   22
Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
          and Financial Disclosure....................................   22
Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures.....................................   22

                                  PART III
Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant..........   23
Item 11.  Executive Compensation......................................   24
Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
          Management..................................................   26
Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions..............   27
Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services......................   27

                                  PART IV
Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form
          8-K.........................................................   28
Signatures............................................................   46
</Table>

                                        1


                                     PART I

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     Statements made in this Form 10-K, other than those concerning historical
information, or, in future filings by Rainbow Rentals, Inc. with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (SEC), in the Company's press releases or other public
or shareholder communications, or in oral statements made with the approval of
an authorized executive officer, constitute "forward looking statements" within
the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are
made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of Section 27A of the Securities
Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These
statements use such words as "may", "will", "should", "expects", "plans",
"anticipates", "estimates", "believes", "thinks", "continues", "indicates",
"outlook", "looks", "goals", "initiatives", "projects", or variations thereof.
Forward-looking statements are based on management's current beliefs and
assumptions regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as
of the date made. These statements are likely to address the Company's growth
strategy, future financial performance (including sales and earnings), strategic
initiatives, marketing and expansion plans and the impact of operating
initiatives. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks,
uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of the
Company that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from
those expressed or implied in such statements. These risks and uncertainties
include the following: risks associated with the proposed merger ("Merger") with
a subsidiary of Rent-A-Center, Inc., general economic conditions; failure, in
the event the Merger does not occur, to adequately execute plans and unforeseen
circumstances beyond the Company's control in connection with development,
implementation and execution of new business processes, procedures and programs;
greater than expected expenses associated with the Company's activities; and the
effects of new accounting standards. You are strongly urged to review such
filings for a more detailed discussion of such risks and uncertainties. The
Company's SEC filings are available, at no charge, at www.sec.gov and through
the Company's web site at www.rainbowrentals.com. The foregoing list of
important factors is not exclusive. The Company undertakes no obligation to
publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of
new information, future events or otherwise.

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

GENERAL

     Founded in 1986 with six stores, the Company, as of December 31, 2003,
operated 125 rental-purchase stores under the Rainbow Rentals trade name in
Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New
York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina,
Tennessee and Virginia. The Company has opened 105 of these 125 locations, with
the balance of the locations having been acquired. The Company offers quality,
name brand, durable merchandise, including home electronics, furniture,
appliances and computers. Generally, rental-purchase merchandise is rented to
individuals under flexible agreements that allow customers to own the
merchandise after making a specified number of rental payments (ranging from 12
to 30 months). Customers have the option to return the merchandise at any time
without further obligation and also have the option to purchase the merchandise
at any time during the rental term.

     During 2003, Rainbow opened 6 new stores (all in new markets) and
consolidated three stores into existing locations. In 2004 through the date of
this report, Rainbow consolidated one store into an existing location.

     On February 4, 2004 the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of
Merger (Merger Agreement) with Rent-A-Center, Inc., (RAC) the industry's largest
rent-to-own operator. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, which is expected
to close during the second quarter of 2004, RAC will acquire 100% of the
outstanding stock of the Company for a purchase price of $16.00 per share.
Pursuant to such Merger Agreement, the Company will not open any stores until
the time the Merger is consummated or the agreement is terminated.

                                        2


INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

     The rental-purchase industry provides an alternative to traditional retail
installment sales, appealing to individuals with a need for acquiring the use of
household products who cannot afford a cash purchase, may be unable to qualify
for credit, and are unwilling or unable to wait until they can save for a
purchase. Others may value the flexibility and services offered by the rental
transaction, which allows for the return of merchandise at any time without
obligation for further payments. In addition, the industry serves customers
having short-term needs or seeking to try products, such as computers, before
committing to purchase them. Rental-purchase transactions include delivery and
pick-up service as well as a repair warranty. Rental-purchase transactions are
made on a week-to-week or month-to-month basis and provide customers with the
opportunity for ownership if the merchandise is rented for a continuous term,
generally 12 to 30 months. Customers may cancel agreements at any time without
further obligation by returning the merchandise or requesting its pick-up by the
store. Returned merchandise is held for re-rental or sale. Rental renewal
payments are generally made in person, in cash, by check or money order, or by
mail.

     According to its 2003 Rental-Purchase Industry Survey, the Association of
Progressive Rental Organizations (APRO), the industry's trade association,
estimates there are approximately 8,300 rent-to-own stores in the United States.
According to APRO, industry-wide revenues were approximately $6.0 billion in
2002, the latest year for which statistics are available. APRO also estimates
there were approximately 2.9 million households served during 2002. Management
believes the industry's four largest public companies currently operate
approximately 4,650 stores, or 56% of the total rental-purchase stores in
operation.

     The rental-purchase industry serves a highly diverse customer base.
According to APRO, approximately 92% of rental purchase customers have annual
household incomes between $15,000 and $49,999. Estimates also show that the
majority of rental-purchase customers are between the ages of 25 and 44 and over
93% of rental-purchase customers are high school graduates. The U.S. Census
Bureau reported that in 2000 there were approximately 44 million households with
annual income between $15,000 and $49,999. Management believes the
rental-purchase industry remains under-penetrated, providing growth
opportunities via new store openings or acquisitions for companies that are well
capitalized and have access to both debt and equity capital.

RISK FACTORS

     Risk Associated with delay in completion of the Merger, or Termination of
Merger Agreement.  During the transition period until the Merger is completed or
terminated, the Company's ability to attract and retain key personnel could be
impaired due to the uncertainty involved with the transaction and associates'
concern about job security. However, to mitigate this risk, the Company has
implemented severance agreements and stay bonus agreements for key personnel who
stay with the Company that will be vested and paid when the Merger is completed.
Moreover, the Merger Agreement contains customary restrictions on the Company's
ability to operate the business pending completion of the Merger, which includes
delaying implementation of the Company's strategic plan. If the merger is not
consummated, such delay, as well as the legal, accounting, investment banking
and other fees incurred in connection with the transaction could have an adverse
impact on the Company's operating results.

     Risk Associated with the Rental-Purchase Business.  The operating success
of the Company, like other participants in the rental-purchase industry, depends
upon a number of factors. These factors include the ability to maintain and
increase the number of units on rent, the collection of the rental payments when
due and the control of inventory and other costs. In addition, the failure of
the Company's management information systems to monitor the stores, the failure
of the Company's operational internal audit personnel to adequately detect any
problems with a store, or the failure of store managers to follow operating
guidelines, could have a material adverse affect on the Company's business,
financial condition or results of operations. The rental-purchase industry is
also affected by changes in consumer confidence, preferences and attitudes, as
well as general economic factors. Failure to respond to changing market trends
could adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition or results of
operations. In addition, the failure of the Company to

                                        3


react to changes in consumer preferences and technological advancements could
adversely affect the value of the Company's inventory and the Company's
business, financial condition or results of operations.

     Competition.  The rental-purchase industry is extremely competitive. The
Company competes with other rental-purchase businesses, as well as rental stores
that do not offer their customers a purchase option. Competition is based
primarily on rental rates and terms, product selection and availability and
customer service. With respect to customers that are able to purchase a product
for cash or on credit, the Company also competes with department stores,
discount stores and other retail outlets. Several competitors in the rental-
purchase business are national or regional in scope. The Company has generally
strived to open new stores in markets with a lower concentration of
rental-purchase stores. As the Company's competitors expand geographically into
the Company's existing markets, the Company's competition in those markets may
increase and there will be relatively fewer underserved areas available for
penetration by the Company.

     Government Regulation.  The Company believes there are 47 states that have
enacted laws specifically regulating rental-purchase transactions, including all
of the states in which the Company operates. These laws generally require
certain contractual and advertising disclosures and also provide varying levels
of substantive consumer protection, such as requiring a grace period for late
fees and contract reinstatement rights in the event a rental-purchase agreement
is terminated. If the Company acquires or opens new stores in states in which it
does not currently operate, the Company will become subject to the
rental-purchase laws of such states, if any. Furthermore, there can be no
assurance that new or revised rental-purchase laws will not have a material
adverse affect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations.

     No federal legislation has been enacted regulating or otherwise governing
rental-purchase transactions. Currently, the industry has sponsored two bills
that have been introduced in Congress. Both bills would amend the Consumer
Credit Protection Act to include favorable treatment of rental-purchase
contracts. The Senate version (S.884), which has 21 co-sponsors, has been
referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. The House
version (H.R. 996) also has 82 co-sponsors and has been referred to the
Committee on Financial Services. There is no assurance that either bill will be
enacted.

     Expansion Risks.  The inability of the Company to execute its expansion
plans, make new stores profitable or improve the profitability of acquired
stores could have a material adverse affect on the Company's business, financial
condition and results of operations. Accomplishing the Company's expansion plans
will depend on a number of factors, the most important of which is the Company's
ability to hire, train and retain managers and other personnel who satisfy the
Company's standards for performance, professionalism and service. Other risk
factors associated with the opening of new stores, some of which are beyond the
control of the Company, include: locating and obtaining acceptable sites,
securing favorable financing, obtaining necessary zoning or other regulatory
approvals, avoiding unexpected delays in opening due to construction delays or
the failure of vendors to deliver equipment, fixtures or rental-purchase
merchandise, incurring significant start-up costs before the viability of the
stores is established and integrating new stores into the Company's systems and
operations. Generally, new stores operate at a loss for up to 12 months after
opening. There can be no assurance that future new stores will obtain
profitability in the expected time frame, if at all. In addition, the Company's
growth strategy will place significant demands on the Company's management. With
respect to acquisitions, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able
to locate or acquire suitable acquisition candidates, or that any operations,
once acquired, can be effectively and profitably integrated into the Company's
existing operations. Additionally, acquisitions may negatively impact the
Company's operating results, particularly during the period immediately
following an acquisition. The Company may acquire operations that are
unprofitable or have inconsistent profitability.

     Volatility of Share Price; Potential Fluctuations in Quarterly
Results.  The Company believes that various factors such as general economic
conditions and changes or volatility in the financial markets, changing market
conditions in the rental-purchase industry and quarterly or annual variations in
the financial results of other public companies that are part of the
rental-purchase industry, all of which may be unrelated to the Company's
performance, could cause the market price of the Common Stock to fluctuate
substantially. Additionally, quarterly revenues and operating income are
difficult to forecast. The Company's expense levels are based, in part, on its
expectations as to future revenues and timing of new store openings. If revenue
levels

                                        4


are below expectations, the Company may be unable or unwilling to reduce
expenses proportionately and operating results would likely be adversely
affected. As a result, the Company believes that period-to-period comparisons of
its results of operations are not necessarily meaningful and should not be
relied upon as indications of future performance. Due to all of the foregoing
factors, it is likely that in some future quarter the Company's operating
results will differ from the expectations of public market analysts and
investors. In such event, the market price of the Common Stock would likely be
materially adversely affected.

     Litigation.  Due to the consumer-oriented nature of the rental-purchase
industry and the application of certain laws and regulations, industry
participants may be named as defendants in litigation alleging violations of
state laws and regulations and consumer tort law, including fraud. Many of these
actions involve alleged violations of consumer protection laws. While the
Company currently has no material litigation pending, in the event a significant
judgment is rendered in the future against the Company or others within the
rental-purchase industry in connection with any such litigation, such judgment
could have a material adverse affect on the Company's business, financial
condition or results of operations.

OPERATING STRATEGY

     The following narrative of the Company's Operating Strategy is based upon
the assumption that the Company will continue as a stand-alone entity and the
Merger will not occur. If the Merger does occur, it is possible RAC will modify
or change the Company's operating strategy.

     During the fourth quarter of 2003, the Company completed a strategic
planning process that identified several key initiatives to support the
Company's core operating strategy of operating high volume, high profit store
locations. These initiatives are aimed at improving the Company's competitive
position by i) increasing customer retention; ii) increasing new customers per
store; and iii) increasing revenue and profit per customer. The strategic
process also identified the need for the Company to accelerate its growth plan
in order to achieve economies of scale in areas such as advertising and
purchasing as well as leveraging its corporate infrastructure. Prior to the
implementation of any of these initiatives, on February 4, 2004, the Company
entered into the Merger Agreement with RAC mentioned in the "General" section
above. If the Merger Agreement is terminated, the Company will implement its
strategic plan and will disclose the details of such plan in a subsequent filing
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

     The Company's operating strategy is to operate high volume store locations
with core stores (stores opened three or more years) averaging a minimum of $1.0
million in annual revenue in conjunction with generating store level operating
income ranging from 20% to 22%. Annual revenues from continuing operations per
store, including core and non-core stores, were approximately $821,000 during
2003, which management believes is one of the highest in the industry. The
Company anticipates executing its strategy by maintaining a high Average Monthly
Rental Rate (AMRR) on its rental-purchase agreements, a high number of customers
per store and a high level of customer referrals and repeat business, all
accompanied by a low level of delinquencies. The Company seeks to achieve these
objectives by applying its "More, Better, Different" philosophy to its customers
and associates by utilizing the following operating techniques.

     Customer Service.  Management believes the rental-purchase industry is a
neighborhood business built on the relationship between the customer and store
personnel. Beginning with the store manager and ending with the account manager,
the Company's customer service policy is to treat all customers at all times
with "Respect and Dignity". Bilingual associates are employed in many stores to
serve the needs of Spanish-speaking customers and regional managers handle all
customer service calls directly to ensure prompt follow-up and dispute
resolution. In addition, the Company focuses on customer convenience by locating
stores on main arteries near national discount retailers or grocery stores and
by setting renewal payment dates based on the customer's wage or other income
schedule. By not imposing many of the fees that are standard in the industry,
such as club, waiver, processing and delivery fees, the Company enables its
customers to afford higher quality merchandise with additional features and
benefits.

     Quality Merchandise.  The Company's merchandising strategy is to offer its
customers a wide range of new and pre-rented, quality, name brand, and durable
merchandise. Management recognizes that its customers desire many of the higher
end products found in the large national electronic, appliance and
                                        5


furniture stores. Accordingly, the Company provides its customers with items
such as large screen televisions, leather furniture and computers with
nationally recognized brand names and other popular features. This strategy has
enabled the Company to maintain a high AMRR. In addition, by providing name
brand and durable products that maintain their quality throughout the rental
period, the Company has maintained a high level of repeat and referral business.

     Store Environment.  The Company believes it is essential that its stores
provide an appealing and attractive shopping environment while conveying a sense
of quality, safety and convenience. Company stores are generally located on main
arteries, near residential or commercial areas and in strip shopping centers
near national discount retailers or grocery stores. The Company generally
maintains a uniform store size (4,750 square feet, on average), color scheme,
store layout and display signs. Stores are intended to provide an appealing
retail environment and are modeled to resemble a quality furniture and
electronics showroom.

     Experienced Associates.  The Company's operations and profitability are
largely dependent on the services of its store-level personnel, senior
management and executive officers (collectively, the "associates"). The
Company's regional managers and store managers have extensive experience in the
industry and have worked with the Company for an average of approximately 12 and
five years, respectively (excluding managers from newly opened and acquired
stores). The Company's executive officers have over 80 combined years in the
rental-purchase industry and the CEO and President co-founded the Company in
1986. The Company attempts to attract and retain its quality associates through
compensation and benefits that meet or exceed industry averages and through
various ongoing proprietary training programs. Management believes its associate
development programs enhance the Company's operations by ensuring conformity to
established operating standards, reducing associate turnover, enhancing
associate productivity and improving associate morale.

     Management.  The Company's management approach provides store managers with
a certain degree of autonomy and accountability. Within guidelines set by the
Company, store managers are responsible for developing customer relationships,
managing customer service, maintaining appropriate levels, quality and mix of
merchandise inventory and meeting operational benchmarks. The Company supports
its structure with strong regional supervision, management information systems,
operational audit procedures, operating guidelines and experienced associates.

     As the Company continues to grow, a key element to ensure the quality of
its store operations is the Regional Management team. Currently, the Company
employs 12 regional managers and one regional vice president, who are generally
promoted from within the Company. Regional managers generally live within their
geographic area to reduce travel time and expense. Senior management is able to
stay in touch with store operations through regular communication with the
regional managers by either telephone conferences or quarterly meetings.
Management intends on maintaining an average region size of approximately 10
stores.

GROWTH STRATEGY

     During the fourth quarter of 2003, the Company completed a strategic
planning process that identified the need for the Company to pursue an
aggressive strategic growth plan, which proposed both organic growth and an
aggressive acquisition strategy. Prior to the implementation of any of the
initiatives of the strategic plan, the Company entered into a Definitive
Agreement and Plan of Merger with Rent-A-Center, Inc. on February 4, 2004,
mentioned in the "General" section above. If the merger does not occur, the
Company will implement its strategic plan and will disclose the details of such
plan in a subsequent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

                                        6


STORES

     As of December 31, 2003, Rainbow operated 125 stores in fifteen states, as
set forth in the following table:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                              NUMBER OF
LOCATION                                                       STORES
- --------                                                      ---------
                                                           
Ohio........................................................     27
Pennsylvania................................................     22
Massachusetts...............................................     11
Michigan....................................................     11
South Carolina..............................................      8
Tennessee...................................................      8
Connecticut.................................................      7
North Carolina..............................................      7
Virginia....................................................      7
New York....................................................      5
Kentucky....................................................      4
Rhode Island................................................      3
Indiana.....................................................      2
Maryland....................................................      2
Georgia.....................................................      1
</Table>

     Rainbow's primary method of growth is through the opening of new store
locations. New stores have a maturation period of approximately three years and
are generally dilutive to earnings for the first 12 months as the Company builds
a customer base and develops a recurring revenue stream. If the Merger with RAC
does not occur, Rainbow plans to open approximately five additional stores
during 2004.

     In investigating a new market, the Company reviews demographic statistics,
cost of advertising and the number and nature of competitors. In addition, the
Company investigates the regulatory environment of the state in which the new
market exists. It is the Company's policy to operate in those states where there
is an absence of unfavorable legislation regarding rental-purchase transactions.

MERCHANDISE

     Rainbow's merchandising strategy is to carry a wide variety of quality,
name brand, durable merchandise in four major categories, including home
electronics, furniture, appliances and computers. Choices of merchandise reflect
the Company's belief that customers want to rent the same quality of merchandise
that is available from more traditional retailers, and that customers are
willing to pay for value and quality. In addition, by focusing on its
manufacturers' mid-point and better range products, the Company avoids frequent
service problems associated with inferior products. The Company purchases
merchandise directly from the manufacturers and through distributors generally
through volume price discounts.

     As of December 31, 2003, rental-purchase agreements for home electronics
accounted for approximately 33%; furniture accounted for 35%; appliances
accounted for 19%; and computers accounted for 13% of the Company's total units
on rent.

RETENTION, TRAINING AND EMPOWERMENT OF ASSOCIATES

     Management believes a key to its success in retaining quality associates is
its policy of promoting many of its store managers from within. However, to
ensure the strength of its store level management team, the Company also hires
experienced managers from other rent-to-own chains. These experienced managers
are introduced to Rainbow's culture of customer service and store operating
system through its "Fast Track" training program.

                                        7


     The Company places great importance on training, both in terms of initial
training for potential managers and continued education of its current
management team. The Company has developed a formal training program that each
associate must successfully complete before becoming eligible for promotion to
store manager. This training program for potential managers consists of a three
to six month curriculum involving formal classroom training as well as on-site
store training. After an associate becomes a store manager, the training
continues. Manager meetings are conducted twice per year and all store managers,
regional managers, department heads and executive management of the Company are
required to attend. At such sessions, prior performance is critiqued, operating
procedures are reviewed and revised, new merchandise is showcased and managers
receive eight to ten hours of classroom training in the areas of financial
management, product information, inventory management, customer service, credit
management, personnel management and other areas of store operations. In
addition, the Company holds training sessions for store personnel below the
level of manager in areas such as customer service, collection techniques, sales
training and safety. The Company also produces training videos to assist in the
on-going training of store associates.

     The Company believes open communication with regional and store level
management is essential to understanding existing markets, increasing associate
morale and retaining associates. In order to facilitate open lines of
communication, the Company has a committee comprised of top performing managers
to serve as a sounding board for new concepts and innovative operational and
sales techniques.

MARKETING

     The Company uses advertising mediums such as printed circulars, radio,
television, and direct mail to introduce and reinforce the benefits of its
rental-purchase program to potential and existing customers and to make such
customers aware of new products and promotions.

     The Company advertises in both English and Spanish to reach the diverse
segments of its customer base. Advertising focuses on things such as superior
customer service, quality name brand products, the ease of a hassle-free
ordering process, and promotional offers. Some of the supporting elements to
these concepts include a toll-free phone number that automatically connects the
caller with the store nearest them, a website for online ordering and
information about products and locations, and a toll-free number to a customer
service representative who forwards messages directly to one of the Company's
regional managers who answers questions and resolves problems.

     Direct mail is employed to target specific households that match up with
the established demographics of our customer base. These programs are tailored
to both active customers at various points in their rental life cycle, and to
inactive customers to encourage them to again enjoy the products and services
the Company has to offer. In addition, the Company holds "customer appreciation"
events at its store locations during various times of the year to foster better
customer relations.

APPROVAL PROCESS

     The Company does not conduct a formal credit review. The Company's order
approval process is designed to verify a customer's stability in his or her
community and serves as a successful method of loss prevention. Since
merchandise is rented rather than purchased, the Company focuses on a customer's
credibility, not the customer's credit history. The approval process is designed
to take less than one hour. Merchandise is generally delivered on the same day
that the order is received.

THE RENTAL-PURCHASE AGREEMENT

     Merchandise is provided to customers under written rental-purchase
agreements that set forth the terms and conditions of the transaction in a
straightforward and understandable manner. The Company has developed its own
agreements, which have been reviewed by legal counsel and meet the legal
requirements of the state in which they are used. The Company's flexible rental
program allows a customer to choose weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly
rental periods with rent paid in advance. At the end of each rental period, the
customer can renew the agreement by making a renewal payment, terminate the
agreement, or purchase the merchandise for a price based upon a predetermined
formula. If the customer elects to terminate
                                        8


the agreement, the merchandise is returned to the store and made available for
rent to another customer. The Company retains title to the merchandise during
the term of the rental-purchase agreement. If the customer renews the agreement
for a specified number of rental periods, ownership is transferred to the
customer upon receipt of the last renewal payment.

CUSTOMER SERVICE AND MANAGEMENT

     In addition to the enjoyment of quality products, customers are afforded
many services provided by well-trained customer management personnel who treat
customers with "Respect and Dignity". The Company does not impose many of the
fees standard in the industry, such as waiver fees, club fees, processing or
delivery fees, and provides additional services under the rental-purchase
agreement at no additional cost. Such services include delivery and
installation, product training, maintenance to ensure the product continues to
perform, "loaner" merchandise if a product is being serviced, and pick-up
service to return the merchandise, if requested. Rental income represented 94.3%
of the Company's total revenue in 2003 with an additional 3.1% in merchandise
sales. In addition, customers are able to upgrade products, reinstate a
previously terminated agreement and are given free service for a reasonable
period, generally 90 days, beyond the rental term.

     Management's philosophy is "customers will pay you because they want to,
not because they have to" and every renewal date offers the opportunity to sell
the customer on the benefits of maintaining a good account with the Company.
Management believes a thorough understanding by the customer of all the terms of
the rental agreement is the first step of successful customer management. A
large majority of all renewal payments are made timely without the involvement
of store personnel and renewal payments are generally made at the store by cash,
check or money order or by mail. Customer management personnel are given
extensive training to assist the customer in maintaining a good account with the
Company. Customer management begins upon delivery of the merchandise in the
customer's home.

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

     The Company has operated its current internal network for a number of
years, which is a Windows NT 4.0 based environment supporting approximately 40
local users and 140 remote users. The Company utilizes a proprietary Windows
based point-of-sale system to support its store operations. The system provides
store managers with all of the relevant store-level financial and operational
data as well as individual profiles on each store's customers. This same data is
also readily available to senior management for performance and trend analysis.

COMPETITION

     The rental-purchase industry is highly competitive. The Company competes
with other national, regional and local rental-purchase businesses, as well as
rental stores that do not offer their customers a purchase option. With respect
to customers desiring to purchase merchandise for cash or on credit, the Company
competes with department stores, consumer electronic stores and discount stores.
The Company's three largest competitors, Rent-A-Center, Inc., Rent-Way, Inc.,
and Aaron Rents, Inc., have greater financial and operating resources and name
recognition than Rainbow.

PERSONNEL

     As of March 2004, the Company had approximately 872 associates of which 653
of them were full-time. Approximately 45 associates are located at the Company's
corporate headquarters in Canfield, Ohio. None of the Company's associates are
represented by a labor union. Management believes its relations with its
associates are good.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION

     The Company believes there are 47 states that have legislation regulating
rental-purchase transactions. The Company's policy is to operate in states where
there is an absence of unfavorable legislation regarding rental-purchase
transactions. There can be no assurance against the enactment of new or revised
rental-
                                        9


purchase laws that would have a material adverse affect on the Company. No
federal legislation has been enacted regulating or otherwise governing
rental-purchase transactions. See Government Regulation under Risk Factors.

     The Company instructs its managers in procedures required by applicable law
through training seminars and policy manuals and believes that it has operated
in compliance with the requirements of applicable law in all material respects.

SERVICE MARKS

     The Company owns the federally registered service mark "Rainbow Rentals."
The Company believes that the Rainbow Rentals mark has acquired significant
market recognition and goodwill in the communities in which its stores are
located.

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

     The Company leases all of its stores under operating leases that expire at
various times through 2010. Store leases generally provide for fixed monthly
rental payments, plus payment for real estate taxes, insurance and common area
maintenance. Most of these leases contain renewal options for additional periods
ranging from three to five years at rates generally adjusted for increases in
the cost of living. There is no assurance the Company can renew the leases that
do not contain renewal options,or if it can renew them, that the terms will be
favorable to the Company. Store sizes range from approximately 3,200 to 9,830
square feet, and average approximately 4,750 square feet. Management believes
suitable store space is generally available for lease and the Company would be
able to relocate any of its stores without significant difficulty should it be
unable or unwilling to renew a particular lease. Management also believes
additional store space is available to meet the requirements of its new store
opening program.

     The Company leases its corporate office located at 3711 Starr Centre Drive,
Canfield, Ohio from a corporation owned by two of its executive officers and a
former officer (see "Related Party Transactions"). The corporate office consists
of approximately 10,000 square feet and is leased through January 31, 2006,
however, in the event the Merger is consummated, the lease will terminate 90
days after the effective date of the Merger. In 2003, the rental amount was
$130,000. The Company believes the rental is at market rate and the other
provisions of the lease are on terms no less favorable to the Company than could
be obtained from unrelated parties.

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise
in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes the amount of any
ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not have a material
adverse affect on the Company's liquidity, financial condition or results of
operations.

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

     None

                                    PART II

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

     The common stock of Rainbow Rentals, Inc. trades on The Nasdaq Stock Market
under the symbol "RBOW". As of March 1, 2004, there were 5,931,819 shares
outstanding held by approximately 90 shareholders of record. The Company
believes there are approximately 300 persons or entities holding stock in
nominee or street name through various brokerage firms or other institutional
holders.

                                        10


     The following table shows the quarterly high and low trade prices of the
common shares for the years ended 2003 and 2002.

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                            2003             2002
                                                        -------------   --------------
                                                        HIGH     LOW     HIGH     LOW
                                                        -----   -----   ------   -----
                                                                     
Quarter ended March 31................................  $6.04   $4.05   $ 8.25   $6.25
Quarter ended June 30.................................   6.13    4.93    10.24    6.56
Quarter ended September 30............................   6.85    5.40     7.24    4.35
Quarter ended December 31.............................   8.31    6.05     7.47    4.26
</Table>

DIVIDEND POLICY

     The Company has never paid cash dividends on its shares of common stock.
The Company currently intends to retain all earnings from its operations to
finance the growth and development of its business and, consequently, does not
expect to pay dividends on its shares of common stock in the foreseeable future.
The payment of future dividends will be at the sole discretion of the Company's
Board of Directors and will depend on, among other things, future earnings,
capital requirements, the general financial condition of the Company and general
business conditions. In addition, the payment of dividends by the Company is
limited by certain covenants in the Company's Credit Facility. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."

SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS

     The following table provides information as of December 31, 2003, regarding
shares outstanding and available for issuance under the Company's existing stock
option plan:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                            (A)                     (B)                    (C)
                                    --------------------   ---------------------   -------------------
                                         NUMBER OF
                                      SECURITIES TO BE
                                        ISSUED UPON          WEIGHTED AVERAGE           NUMBER OF
                                        EXERCISE OF          EXERCISE PRICE OF         SECURITIES
                                        OUTSTANDING             OUTSTANDING             REMAINING
                                     OPTIONS, WARRANTS       OPTIONS, WARRANTS        AVAILABLE FOR
PLAN CATEGORY                            AND RIGHTS             AND RIGHTS           FUTURE ISSUANCE
- -------------                       --------------------   ---------------------   -------------------
                                                                          
Equity compensation plans approved
  by security holders.............        583,034                  $7.95                 10,882
Equity compensation plans not
  approved by security holders....             --                     --                     --
                                          -------                  -----                 ------
Total.............................        583,034                  $7.95                 10,882
                                          =======                  =====                 ======
</Table>

                                        11


ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

     The selected financial data presented below under the captions "Statement
of Income Data" and "Balance Sheet Data" for, and as of the end of, each of the
years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2003, are derived from the
financial statements of the Company. The data presented below should be read in
conjunction with Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations, and the Financial Statements and the related notes
thereto included elsewhere in this annual report.

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------
                                      2003         2002         2001         2000         1999
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
                                                                        
Statement of Income Data:
  Revenues
     Rental revenue..............  $   96,826   $   93,239   $   88,770   $   86,099   $   75,932
     Fees........................       2,679        2,728        2,697        2,849        2,639
     Merchandise sales...........       3,168        3,300        3,088        2,947        2,287
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
          Total revenues.........     102,673       99,267       94,555       91,895       80,858
  Operating expenses
     Merchandise costs...........      33,346       33,995       33,310       30,775       26,758
     Store expenses
       Salaries and related......      26,849       24,393       22,713       21,774       18,374
       Occupancy.................      10,022        9,480        8,607        7,464        6,027
       Advertising...............       6,884        6,167        5,928        4,430        3,662
       Other expenses............      14,397       13,494       13,258       12,388       10,719
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
          Total store expenses...      58,152       53,534       50,506       46,056       38,782
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
          Total merchandise costs
            and store expenses...      91,498       87,529       83,816       76,831       65,540
     General and administrative
       expenses..................       8,765        7,706        7,160        6,340        5,176
     Amortization of goodwill and
       noncompete agreements.....         160          175          689          608          456
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
          Total operating
            expenses.............     100,423       95,410       91,665       83,779       71,172
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
          Operating income.......       2,250        3,857        2,890        8,116        9,686
  Interest expense...............         570          632          689          933          697
  Other expense, net.............         227          228          227          284          361
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
          Income from continuing
            operations, before
            income taxes.........       1,453        2,997        1,974        6,899        8,628
  Income taxes...................         574        1,184          800        2,794        3,580
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
          Income from continuing
            operations...........         879        1,813        1,174        4,105        5,048
  Discontinued operations
     Loss from operations of
       discontinued store
       including loss on
       disposal, net of tax......          --         (172)          --           --           --
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
          Net income.............  $      879   $    1,641   $    1,174   $    4,105   $    5,048
                                   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========
</Table>

                                        12


<Table>
<Caption>
                                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------
                                      2003         2002         2001         2000         1999
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
                                          (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
                                                                        
          Basic and diluted
            earnings per common
            share from continuing
            operations...........  $     0.15   $     0.31   $     0.20   $     0.69   $     0.85
                                   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========
          Basic and diluted
            earnings per common
            share................  $     0.15   $     0.28   $     0.20   $     0.69   $     0.85
                                   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========
     Weighted average common
       shares outstanding:
          Basic..................   5,929,435    5,928,006    5,925,735    5,925,735    5,925,735
          Diluted................   5,940,598    5,940,606    5,940,999    5,930,157    5,930,887
  Pro forma net income data:
     Net income as reported......  $      879   $    1,641   $    1,174   $    4,105   $    5,048
     Pro forma adjustment for
       goodwill amortization,
       net.......................          --           --          312          287          212
                                   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------   ----------
     Pro forma net income........  $      879   $    1,641   $    1,486   $    4,392   $    5,260
                                   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========
  Pro forma basic and diluted
     income per common share.....  $     0.15   $     0.28   $     0.25   $     0.74   $     0.89
                                   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========   ==========
Operating Data:
  Stores open at end of period...         125          122          113          110           92
  Comparable store revenue
     growth(1)...................        (1.0)%        1.4%        (4.3)%        1.7%         4.4%
</Table>

- ---------------

(1) Comparable store revenue growth is the percentage increase (decrease) in
    revenue from the same number of stores over a two-year period. Only stores
    that have been open 12 months in both periods are included in the
    comparison.

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                       -----------------------------------------------
                                        2003      2002      2001      2000      1999
                                       -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
                                                   (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                
Balance Sheet Data:
  Rental-purchase merchandise, net...  $40,545   $39,342   $39,330   $36,545   $33,042
  Total assets.......................   63,651    60,913    60,121    58,429    50,324
  Total long-term debt...............    6,154     7,550     9,440    12,340    10,522
  Total liabilities..................   23,930    22,088    22,956    22,438    18,438
  Shareholders' equity...............   39,721    38,825    37,165    35,991    31,886
</Table>

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
         OF OPERATIONS

     The following discussion is intended to assist in the understanding of the
Company's financial position as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and results of
operations for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001. This discussion
should be read in conjunction with the Company's financial statements and notes
thereto included herein.

GENERAL

     At December 31, 2003, the Company operated 125 rental-purchase stores in 15
states, providing quality, name brand, durable merchandise, including home
electronics, furniture, appliances and computers. Generally, rental-purchase
merchandise is rented to individuals under flexible agreements that allow
customers to own the merchandise after making a specified number of rental
payments (ranging from 12 to 30 months).

                                        13


Customers have the option to return the merchandise at any time without further
obligation, and also have the option to purchase the merchandise at any time
during the rental term.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

     On February 4, 2004 the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of
Merger (Merger Agreement) with Rent-A-Center, Inc., (RAC) the industry's largest
rent-to-own operator. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, which is expected
to close during the second quarter of 2004, RAC will acquire 100% of the
outstanding stock of the Company for a purchase price of $16.00 per share.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" discusses our financial statements that have been prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

     On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates and judgments.
The Company bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on
various other factors that management believes to be reasonable under the
circumstances. The results of these estimates and judgments form the basis for
making conclusions about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are
not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these
estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Our significant estimates
and assumptions are reviewed by management on a quarterly basis and required
adjustments are recorded, if necessary

     A critical accounting policy is one that is both important to the portrayal
of the Company's financial condition and results of operations and requires
management to make estimates about the effects of matters that are inherently
uncertain. Management believes the following critical accounting policies affect
its more significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of its financial
statements:

     - Rental-purchase merchandise, including depreciation and impairment;

     - Revenue recognition;

     - Accounting for income taxes;

     - Valuation of long-lived and intangible assets; and

     - Valuation of goodwill

     Rental-purchase merchandise, including depreciation and impairment.
Rental-purchase merchandise is stated at historical cost, net of accumulated
depreciation. The Company depreciates inventory on rent using the units of
activity method. Under the units of activity method, merchandise on rent is
depreciated in the proportion of rents earned to total expected rents to be
provided over the rental contract term. The Company believes the units of
activity method more accurately matches the recognition of depreciation expense
with the estimated timing of revenue earned over the rental-purchase agreement
period. The units of activity method is recognized in the rental-purchase
industry and does not consider salvage value. In addition, the Company
depreciates certain older rental-purchase merchandise held for rent over its
remaining useful life.

     The Company monitors the value of rental-purchase merchandise for possible
impairment. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amounts cannot be
recovered by the estimated undiscounted cash flows they will receive.

     Revenue recognition.  Merchandise is rented to customers pursuant to
rental-purchase agreements, which generally provide for weekly or monthly rental
terms. Rental revenue is recognized over the lease term. Deferred revenue is
recognized for cash received for which revenue is not yet earned. A customer may
elect to renew the rental-purchase agreement for a specified number of
continuous terms and has the right to acquire title either through payment of
all required rentals or through an early purchase option. Amounts received
                                        14


from such early purchase options, as well as sales of new and used merchandise
available for rent in the stores, are included in merchandise sales.

     Accounting for income taxes.  As part of the process of preparing the
Company's financial statements, management is required to estimate income taxes
in each of the jurisdictions in which it operates. This process involves
estimating the Company's actual current tax exposure together with assessing
temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items. These
differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included
within the Company's balance sheet. The Company must then assess the likelihood
that deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income, and if
the Company assesses that recovery is not likely, a valuation allowance must be
established.

     Management judgment is required in determining the Company's provision for
income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation allowance
that may be deemed necessary.

     Valuation of long-lived and intangible assets.  The Company assesses the
impairment of identifiable intangible assets and long-lived assets whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be
recoverable. Factors the Company considers important that could trigger an
impairment review include the following:

     - significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected
       future operating results;

     - significant changes in the manner of the Company's use of the acquired
       assets or its strategy for the overall business; and

     - significant negative industry or economic trends

     When the Company determines that the carrying value of intangibles and
long-lived assets may not be recovered based upon the existence of one or more
of the above factors, impairment is measured based on a projected undiscounted
cash flow method.

     Valuation of goodwill.  Goodwill is the cost in excess of the fair value of
net assets of acquired businesses. These assets are stated at cost and are no
longer amortized, but evaluated at least annually for impairment in accordance
with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142.

     The Company is required to test all existing goodwill for impairment
annually on a "reporting unit" basis. A fair value approach is used to test
goodwill for impairment. An impairment charge is recognized for the amount, if
any, by which the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.
The fair value of a reporting unit and the related implied fair value of the
respective goodwill are established using comparative market multiples, namely a
combination of the Company's market capitalization and average monthly revenues.
Should the Company's stock price and/or average monthly revenues fall such that
the carrying amount of goodwill would not be recoverable, an impairment loss
would be recognized. During the fourth quarter of 2003, we performed an
impairment assessment of our goodwill, and determined that no impairment
existed.

COMPONENTS OF INCOME AND EXPENSES

     Revenues.  The Company collects rental renewal payments in advance, under
weekly, biweekly, semi-monthly and monthly rental-purchase agreements. Rental
revenue is recognized over the lease term. Fees include amounts for
reinstatement of expired agreements and amounts for in-home collection. Fees are
recognized when earned. Rental-purchase agreements generally include an early
purchase option. Merchandise sales include amounts received upon sales of
merchandise pursuant to such early purchase options and upon the sale of new or
used rental merchandise. These amounts are recognized as revenue when the
merchandise is sold.

     Merchandise Costs.  Merchandise costs include depreciation of
rental-purchase merchandise under the units of activity depreciation method.
Rental-purchase merchandise is depreciated as revenue is earned. Merchandise
costs also include the remaining book value of merchandise sold or otherwise
disposed, the cost of replacement parts and accessories and other miscellaneous
merchandise costs. The Company monitors the

                                        15


value of rental-purchase merchandise for possible impairment and, if necessary,
reduces the carrying value of the related asset to fair value.

     Salaries and Related.  Salaries and related expenses include all salaries
and wages paid to store level associates, related benefits, taxes and workers'
compensation claims and premiums.

     Occupancy.  Occupancy includes rent, repairs, maintenance and security of
the physical store locations, utility costs and depreciation of store leasehold
improvements. The Company has no leases that include percentage rent provisions.

     Advertising.  Costs incurred for producing and communicating advertising
are charged to expense the first time advertising takes place.

     Other Expenses.  Other expenses include delivery expenses, insurance, costs
associated with maintaining rental-purchase merchandise, telephone expenses,
store computer and office expenses and personal property taxes, among other
items.

     General and Administrative Expenses.  General and administrative expenses
include all personnel, occupancy and other operating expenses associated with
the Company's corporate-level support departments and regional store
supervision. In addition, all costs associated with training, legal and
professional fees, charitable contributions and state taxes not based on income,
are included.

     Amortization Expense.  Amortization expense includes the amortization of
non-compete agreements and other identifiable intangible assets with definitive
lives. Effective January 1, 2002, with the adoption of SFAS No. 142, goodwill is
no longer amortized.

     Income Tax Expense.  Income tax expense includes the combined effect of all
federal, state and local income taxes imposed upon the Company by various taxing
jurisdictions.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain
Statements of Income data as a percentage of total revenues.

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              ------------------------
                                                               2003     2002     2001
                                                              ------   ------   ------
                                                                       
Revenues
  Rental revenue............................................   94.3%    93.9%    93.9%
  Fees......................................................    2.6      2.8      2.8
  Merchandise sales.........................................    3.1      3.3      3.3
                                                              -----    -----    -----
       Total revenues.......................................  100.0    100.0    100.0
Operating expenses
  Merchandise costs.........................................   32.5     34.2     35.2
  Store expenses
     Salaries and related...................................   26.1     24.6     24.0
     Occupancy..............................................    9.8      9.5      9.1
     Advertising............................................    6.7      6.2      6.3
     Other expenses.........................................   14.0     13.6     14.0
                                                              -----    -----    -----
       Total store expenses.................................   56.6     53.9     53.4
                                                              -----    -----    -----
       Total merchandise costs and store expenses...........   89.1     88.1     88.6
</Table>

                                        16


<Table>
<Caption>
                                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              ------------------------
                                                               2003     2002     2001
                                                              ------   ------   ------
                                                                       
General and administrative expenses.........................    8.5      7.8      7.6
Amortization of goodwill and noncompete agreements..........    0.2      0.2      0.7
                                                              -----    -----    -----
       Total operating expenses.............................   97.8     96.1     96.9
                                                              -----    -----    -----
       Operating income.....................................    2.2      3.9      3.1
Interest expense............................................    0.6      0.6      0.7
Other expense, net..........................................    0.2      0.2      0.2
                                                              -----    -----    -----
       Income from continuing operations, before income
          taxes.............................................    1.4      3.1      2.2
Income taxes................................................    0.5      1.2      0.9
                                                              -----    -----    -----
       Income from continuing operations....................    0.9      1.9      1.3
Loss on discontinued operations, net of tax.................     --     (0.2)      --
                                                              -----    -----    -----
       Net income...........................................    0.9      1.7      1.3
Pro forma adjustment for goodwill amortization, net of
  tax.......................................................     --       --      0.3
                                                              -----    -----    -----
       Pro forma net income.................................    0.9      1.7      1.6
                                                              =====    =====    =====
</Table>

COMPARISON OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003 AND
2002

     Total revenues increased $3.4 million, or 3.4%, to $102.7 million for the
year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $99.3 million for the year ended
December 31, 2002. Revenue from comparable stores, or stores in operation for
each of the entire years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, decreased $1.0
million, or 1.0%. This decrease was primarily attributable to a 4.9% decline in
average units on rent due largely to management's decision to discontinue
rentals of accessory items in 2003, which are less profitable than regular
rental purchase merchandise items. Average accessory units on rent at comparable
stores fell 27.8% during 2003, and, to a lesser extent, average regular units on
rent fell 1.4%. Collection performance at comparable stores declined 44 basis
points. Partially offsetting the declines in comparable units on rent and
collection performance was a 1.25% increase in average price per unit charged to
customers on regular rental purchase merchandise. Revenues from stores opened
during 2002 increased $3.8 million as these stores continued to build their
customer base. Revenues from the six stores opened during 2003 totaled $656,000.

     Merchandise costs decreased $649,000, or 1.9%, to $33.3 million for the
year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $34.0 million for the year ended
December 31, 2002. Comparable store merchandise costs declined $2.3 million, or
6.8%, which was partially offset by an increase in merchandise costs for stores
opened in 2002 and 2003. As a percentage of revenue, merchandise costs declined
to 32.5% from 34.2% for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002,
respectively. The decrease in merchandise costs as a percentage of revenues is
attributable to better pricing on the purchase of rental merchandise and, to a
lesser extent, an increase in average rental rates.

     Store expenses increased $4.6 million, or 8.6%, to $58.1 million for the
year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $53.5 million for the year ended
December 31, 2002. Store expenses associated with stores opened after January 1,
2002 (non-comparable stores) accounted for $3.1 million, or nearly 68% of the
increase. Store expenses were also affected by an increase in comparable store
salaries and related expenses totaling $1.0 million, which was attributable to
increased wages (primarily staffing), higher workers' compensation costs, and,
to a lesser extent, an increase in group insurance costs due to higher
self-insurance claims, primarily in the fourth quarter of 2003. Advertising and
other store expenses at comparable stores increased $350,000 and $352,000,
respectively. Advertising increased primarily in the fourth quarter of 2003 in
an attempt to increase customer traffic. The increase in other store expenses
was due to higher inventory repairs, in addition to increases in insurance
premiums and vehicle claims. Comparable store occupancy expense declined
$226,000 predominantly due to a lease buy-out and asset write-offs recorded
during 2002 associated with the consolidation of a store. Store expenses totaled
56.6% and 53.9% of total revenue for the

                                        17


years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Comparable store expenses
as a percentage of comparable store revenue totaled 54.9% and 52.6% for the
years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

     General and administrative expenses increased $1.1 million, or 13.7%, to
$8.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $7.7 million for
the year ended December 31, 2002. The increase in general and administrative
expenses was partially attributable to $329,000 in severance costs associated
with the departure of the Company's Chief Operating Officer in May 2003. Also
contributing to the increase were higher payroll-related costs totaling
$409,000, which included reorganizing and training the Company's regional and
store managers, higher corporate payroll due primarily to additional personnel,
and severance costs related to closing the Company's construction department
during the fourth quarter of 2003. Other increases included $100,000 in
consulting fees, primarily due to strategic planning initiated during the fourth
quarter of 2003, and $66,000 in higher director and officer insurance premiums.
General and administrative expenses totaled 8.5% and 7.8% of total revenues for
the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

     Interest expense decreased $62,000 comparing the years ended December 31,
2003 and 2002, due to lower average outstanding debt.

     Income tax expense decreased $610,000 to $574,000 for the year ended
December 31, 2003 from $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2002, and
was attributable to a decline in income from operations. The Company's effective
tax rate was 39.5% for both the years.

COMPARISON OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002 AND
2001

     Total revenues from continuing operations increased $4.7 million, or 5.0%,
to $99.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to $94.6 million
for the year ended December 31, 2001. Revenue from comparable stores, or stores
in operation on January 1, 2001, increased $1.3 million, or 1.4%, and was
primarily attributable to an increase in average rental rates and, to a lesser
extent, an increase in collection performance. The increase in average rental
rates was mainly the effect of raising rental rates on pre-rented merchandise
during the second quarter of 2002 towards historical levels as the quality of
such merchandise improved over the previous year. Changes in product mix and
increased average rental rates on new merchandise also contributed to the
increase in comparable store revenue. Partially offsetting the increase in
comparable store revenue was a modest decline in average units on rent comparing
2002 to 2001, which was due to a decline in average customers per comparable
store. Revenue from the 17 stores opened after January 1, 2001 accounted for
$3.6 million of the increase in total revenue from continuing operations as
these stores continue to build a customer base and develop a recurring revenue
stream. Revenues in 2001 included the activity of an underperforming store sold
in 2001.

     Merchandise costs from continuing operations increased $685,000, or 2.1%,
to $34.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to $33.3 million
for the year ended December 31, 2001. Merchandise costs totaled 34.2% and 35.2%
of revenue for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The
decrease in merchandise costs from continuing operations as a percentage of
revenues from continuing operations was primarily the result of higher rental
margins. During mid-2001, the Company lowered rental rates in order to move
older, pre-rented merchandise. The Company began raising rental rates during the
second quarter of 2002 towards historical levels as the quality of older,
pre-rented merchandise improved.

     Store expenses from continuing operations increased $3.0 million, or 6.0%,
to $53.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to $50.5 million
for the year ended December 31, 2001. This increase was mainly attributable to
the 17 stores opened after January 1, 2001, as total store expenses for
comparable stores remained flat. To a lesser extent, costs associated with the
consolidation of two stores contributed to the increase in store expenses from
continuing operations. A modest increase in salaries and related expenses at
comparable stores, in addition to normal scheduled rent increases, were offset
by cost savings as operational efficiencies and spending controls were
implemented during 2002. As a result of the above-mentioned cost savings, total
comparable store expenses as a percentage of comparable store revenue improved
from 52.4% for the year ended December 31, 2001 to 51.8% for the year ended
December 31, 2002. Store expenses from
                                        18


continuing operations totaled 53.9% and 53.4% of total revenues from continuing
operations for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

     Amortization expense from continuing operations decreased $514,000 to
$175,000 for the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to $689,000 for the year
ended December 31, 2001. With the adoption of SFAS No. 142 on January 1, 2002,
goodwill is no longer amortized, but evaluated at least annually for impairment.
For the year ended December 31, 2001, amortization of goodwill totaled $525,000.

     General and administrative expenses from continuing operations increased
$546,000, or 7.6%, to $7.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 from
$7.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. The increase in general and
administrative expenses from continuing operations was mostly attributable to
higher costs associated with the Company's manager trainee program due to both
new store openings and preparing potential managers for future store openings
and replacements. In addition, higher regional manager compensation and
increased legal costs contributed to the increase. General and administrative
expenses increased to 7.8% from 7.6% of revenues, respectively, comparing the
years ended December 31, 2002 to December 31, 2001 due to slower revenue growth
than anticipated.

     Interest expense decreased $57,000 comparing the years ended December 31,
2002 to 2001, and was due to lower average outstanding debt and lower interest
rates during 2002.

     Income tax expense from continuing operations increased $384,000 from
$800,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001 to $1.2 million for the year ended
December 31, 2002. This increase was attributable to an increase in income from
continuing operations, but was partially offset by a decline in the Company's
effective tax rate to 39.5% for 2002 from 40.5% for 2001 due to a higher
proportion of state taxable income in states with lower income tax rates.

     During the fourth quarter of 2002, the Company sold an under-performing
store, which was accounted for as a discontinued operation. Loss from
discontinued operations totaled $172,000, net of an income tax benefit and
included a $90,000 loss, net of tax, from operations of the store and an $82,000
loss, net of tax, on the disposal of the store. There were no restatements
necessary for years prior to 2002 since the Company opened this store in 2002.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     The Company's primary requirements for capital consist of purchasing
additional and/or replacement rental-purchase merchandise, expenditures related
to new store openings, acquisitions and working capital requirements for new and
existing stores. The primary sources of liquidity and capital are from
operations and borrowings. The Merger Agreement with RAC contains customary
provisions limiting the Company's capital expenditures including the opening of
new stores.

     For the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, cash provided by operating
activities totaled $3.6 million and $4.2 million, respectively. The decrease in
cash provided by operating activities was affected by a decline in income from
operations and increased purchases of rental purchase merchandise, which was
partially offset by changes in accounts payable (due mainly to the timing of
inventory purchases). Cash used in investing activities decreased to $2.2
million for the year ended December 31, 2003 from $2.8 million for the year
ended December 31, 2002, and was primarily due to acquisitions of customer
accounts in 2002 and a decline in purchases of property and equipment purchases
in 2003. Cash used in financing activities decreased to $1.8 million for the
year ended December 31, 2003 from $2.2 million for the year ended December 31,
2002 and was mainly attributable to loan fees paid in 2002.

     During 2002, Congress passed the Job Creation and Workers Assistance Act of
2002, which provided an additional first-year "bonus" depreciation deduction of
30% on property acquired after September 10, 2001, but before September 11,
2004, if there was no written binding contract for the acquisition of the
property in effect before September 11, 2001. Additionally, Congress passed the
Jobs and Growth Tax Reconciliation Act of 2003, which increased the additional
first-year "bonus" depreciation from 30% to 50% for most capital assets acquired
new after May 5, 2003 and before 2005. These acts have a significant impact on
the Company as all rental purchase merchandise and a portion of the fixed assets
qualify for these accelerated deductions.
                                        19


The above has resulted in the Company receiving an amount of $730,000 in the
current year from the federal government, net of estimated income tax payments.
The Company expects that these bonus depreciation amounts will result in
significant tax savings through 2005, which is when the benefits expire.

     In January 2002, the Company refinanced its debt with a $25.0 million
revolving loan agreement (the "Credit Facility") that matures in January 2005. A
borrowing base ($13.0 million at December 31, 2003) measured against rental
purchase merchandise limits borrowings under the Credit Facility to 32% of
rental purchase inventory, less outstanding letters of credit, which totaled
$2.9 million at December 31, 2003. Excess availability was approximately $4.4
million at December 31, 2003. The agreement requires the Company to meet certain
quarterly financial covenants and ratios including maximum leverage, minimum
interest coverage, minimum net worth, fixed charge coverage and rental
merchandise usage ratios. In addition, the Company must meet requirements
regarding monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting. The agreement also
contains non-financial covenants that limits actions of the Company with respect
to additional indebtedness, certain loans and investments, payment of dividends,
acquisitions, mergers and consolidations, dispositions of assets or
subsidiaries, issuance of capital stock, capital expenditures and leases.

     The following table summarizes the Company's approximate obligations and
commitments to make future payments under contractual obligations as of December
31, 2003:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                      LESS THAN                           MORE THAN
                                       1 YEAR     1-3 YEARS   3-5 YEARS    5 YEARS     TOTAL
                                      ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   -------
                                                                       
Operating lease obligations.........   $8,805      $11,557     $4,468       $609      $25,439
Long-term debt......................       --        5,725         --         --        5,725
Debt from variable interest
  entity............................       --          429         --         --          429
                                       ------      -------     ------       ----      -------
                                       $8,805      $17,711     $4,468       $609      $31,593
                                       ======      =======     ======       ====      =======
</Table>

     If the Merger Agreement is terminated and the Company would continue as a
stand-alone entity, management believes it would be able to open six new stores
in 2004, as well as continue to have the opportunity to increase the number of
its stores and rental-purchase agreements through selective acquisitions.
Potential acquisitions may vary in size and the Company may consider larger
acquisitions that could be material to the Company. To provide any additional
funds necessary for the continued pursuit of its growth strategies, should the
Merger not occur, the Company may use cash flow from operations, borrow
additional amounts under its Credit Facility, or use its own equity securities,
the availability of which will depend upon market and other conditions. There
can be no assurance that such additional financing will be available to the
Company or its current lender.

     Capital spending amounted to approximately $2.3 million for the year ended
December 31, 2003 and, subject to changes resulting from the Merger, is expected
not to change materially for 2004. If the Merger Agreement is terminated,
spending will be focused on leasehold improvements for new and existing stores
in addition to completion of a point-of-sale software upgrade.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

     In April 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
(SFAS) No. 149, Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities, which amends and clarifies accounting for derivative instruments and
hedging activities under SFAS No. 133 Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities. SFAS No. 149 provides guidance relating to decisions made
(a) as part of the Derivatives Implementation Group process, (b) in connection
with other FASB projects dealing with financial instruments and (c) regarding
implementation issues raised in the application of the definition of a
derivative and the characteristics of a derivative that contains financing
components. SFAS No. 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified and
for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. The application of
this Statement does not have an effect on the Company's financial position or
results of operations.

                                        20


     In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial
Instruments and Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity, which requires
freestanding financial instruments such as mandatorily redeemable shares,
forward purchase contracts, written put options to be reported as liabilities by
their issuers as well as related new disclosure requirements. The provisions of
SFAS No. 150 are effective for instruments entered into or modified after May
31, 2003 and pre-existing instruments as of the beginning of the first interim
period that commences after June 15, 2003. The application of this Statement
does not have an effect on the Company's financial position or results of
operations.

     In November 2002, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) issued a final
consensus on EITF Issue No. 00-21, Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with
Multiple Deliverables, which addresses how to account for arrangements that may
involve the delivery or performance of multiple products, services, and/or
rights to use assets. EITF Issue No. 00-21 is effective prospectively for
arrangements entered into in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2003. The
application of this statement does not have and effect on the Company's
financial position or results of operations.

     In December 2003, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Staff
Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 104, Revenue Recognition, which clarifies existing
SEC guidance regarding revenues for contracts that contain multiple deliverables
to make it consistent with EITF Issue No. 00-21. The adoption of SAB No. 104 did
not have an effect of the Company's financial position or results of operations.

SEASONALITY

     Management believes that the Company's operating results are subject to
seasonality. The third quarter generally shows a small reduction of customer
spending habits because of circumstances such as summer vacations and back to
school needs. On the other hand, the fourth quarter generally shows increased
rental activity because of traditional holiday shopping patterns. Many of the
Company's expenses do not fluctuate with seasonal revenue changes; therefore,
such revenue changes may cause fluctuations in the Company's quarterly results.

INFLATION

     During the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, lease expense and
salaries and wages have increased modestly, which have not had a significant
effect on the Company's results of operations.

MARKET RISK

     The Company manages interest rate risk with the use of variable rate
borrowings under its committed and uncommitted Credit Facility. Variable rate
borrowings under the Credit Facility totaled $5.7 million at December 31, 2003.
A one percent increase or decrease in interest rates would have resulted in an
increase or decrease in interest expense of approximately $62,000.

     The Company does not purchase or hold any derivative financial instruments.

                                        21


ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     See the Market Risk Section under the Management's Discussion and Analysis.

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

     Reference is made to Part IV, Item 15 of this Form 10-K for the information
required by Item 8.

ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
         FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

     None.

ITEM 9A.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

     The Company evaluated the design and operation of its disclosure controls
and procedures to determine whether they are effective in ensuring that the
disclosure of required information is made timely in accordance with the
Exchange Act and the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
This evaluation was made under the supervision and with the participation of
management, including the Company's principal executive officer and principal
financial officer prior to the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The
principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded,
based on their review, that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures, as
defined at Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c), are effective to ensure
that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it
files under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported
within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules
and forms. No significant changes were made to the Company's internal controls
or other factors during the fourth quarter of 2003 that has materially affected,
or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control
over financial reporting.

                                        22


                                    PART III

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                       PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
                                                         PAST FIVE YEARS,              DIRECTOR
       NAME OF DIRECTOR/OFFICER         AGE            OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS              SINCE
       ------------------------         ---   --------------------------------------   --------
                                                                              
Wayland J. Russell....................  52    Chairman of the Board and Chief            1986
                                              Executive Officer of the Company since
                                              February 1997, having previously
                                              served as the Company's President
                                              since its inception in 1986.
Michael J. Viveiros...................  48    President of the Company since             1986
                                              February 1997, having previously
                                              served as Vice President since the
                                              Company's inception in 1986.
Brian L. Burton.......................  63    Business Consultant and Executive Vice     1998
                                              President and Chief Financial Officer
                                              of KST Coatings Manufacturing, Inc.
                                              since 2002, a manufacturer of roofing
                                              products. Prior thereto, Mr. Burton
                                              was President of Vertical
                                              Merchandising Systems, a distributor
                                              of impulse merchandising systems to
                                              supermarkets, for over five years.
Ivan J. Winfield......................  69    Associate Professor at Baldwin-Wallace     1998
                                              College, Cleveland, Ohio, and business
                                              consultant since 1995. Prior thereto,
                                              Mr. Winfield was Managing Partner of
                                              Coopers & Lybrand, Cleveland, Ohio
                                              from 1978 to 1994. He is a director of
                                              Boykin Lodging Co. and HMI Industries,
                                              Inc.
Robert A. Glick.......................  57    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer       2001
                                              of Dots, LLC., a retailer of women's
                                              apparel. He is a director of the
                                              National Retail Federation and
                                              Chairman of the Advisory Board of the
                                              Shannon Rodgers and Jerry Silverman
                                              School of Fashion Design and
                                              Merchandising at Kent State
                                              University.
S. Robert Harris......................  56    Chief Operating Officer of the Company      N/A
                                              since May 2003, having previously
                                              served as Regional Supervisor since
                                              joining the Company in January 2003.
                                              Prior thereto, Mr. Harris served as
                                              Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
                                              of Texas Shamrock Homes, a retailer of
                                              manufactured housing in Texas.
Michael A. Pecchia....................  43    Chief Financial Officer of the Company      N/A
                                              since February 1997, having previously
                                              served as Treasurer since June 1991.
</Table>

                                        23


ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

                        EXECUTIVE OFFICERS' COMPENSATION

     The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
compensation earned during the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001,
respectively, by the Chief Executive Officer and all other named Executive
Officers of the Company whose annual salary and bonus exceeded $100,000:

                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                            LONG TERM COMPENSATION
                                            ANNUAL COMPENSATION            ------------------------
                                    ------------------------------------   OPTION
                                                          OTHER ANNUAL     AWARDS      ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION  YEAR    SALARY     BONUS    COMPENSATION(1)    (#)     COMPENSATION(2)
- ---------------------------  ----   --------   -------   ---------------   ------   ---------------
                                                                  
Wayland J. Russell.........  2003   $322,008   $58,879       $33,894            0       $6,348
  Chief Executive Officer    2002    322,563    58,724        41,978            0        6,727
                             2001    322,008    50,000        21,258            0        9,805

S. Robert Harris...........  2003    153,545         0        10,561       40,000        1,990
  Chief Operating Officer

Michael J. Viveiros........  2003    219,000    44,637        16,317            0        2,168
  President                  2002    223,277    43,850        23,619            0        2,595
                             2001    243,000    44,000        17,197            0        3,827

Michael A. Pecchia.........  2003    140,000    18,750        19,320            0          243
  Secretary and Chief        2002    125,000    18,750        18,577            0          243
  Financial Officer          2001    125,000    18,750        19,602            0        1,237

Lawrence S. Hendricks(3)...  2003     81,000    18,750        13,110            0        1,805
  Chief Operating Officer    2002    243,243    37,500        21,903            0        2,340
                             2001    243,000    41,600        13,994            0        3,557
</Table>

- ---------------

(1) Includes the value of perquisites reported as taxable wages, including for
    2003 amounts for the Company's annual business meeting, personal use of
    automobiles, country clubs, professional services and other miscellaneous
    items. For Messrs. Russell, Harris, Viveiros, Pecchia and Hendricks the
    value of the foregoing perquisites were as follows: annual business
    meeting -- $7,100, $3,470, $5,742, $4,204 and $6,492, respectively;
    automobile -- $9,769, $3,103, $6,605, $8,272 and $321, respectively; country
    club -- $7,707, $3,418, $0, $6,640 and $3,322, respectively; professional
    services -- $9,318, $0, $2,169, $0 and $2,975, respectively; and other
    miscellaneous items -- $0, $570, $1,801, $204 and $0, respectively. Also
    included for Mr. Hendricks is severance related compensation -- $11,536.

(2) Included in this column are amounts paid by the Company for life insurance
    coverage for the benefit of the Executive Officers. Life insurance premiums
    paid on behalf of Messrs. Russell, Harris, Viveiros, Pecchia and Hendricks
    were $6,348, $1,990, $2,168, $243, and $1,805, respectively.

(3) In May 2003 Mr. Hendricks retired as the Company's Chief Operating Officer,
    in which he received a severance agreement that paid him $149,536 through
    December 31, 2003.

                                 STOCK OPTIONS

     The table below provides information concerning individual grants of stock
options made during 2003 to each of the Company's executive officers named in
the Summary Compensation Table. The Company has never granted any stock
appreciation rights. Unless otherwise indicated, the exercised prices represent
the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date.

     The amounts shown as potential realizable value represent hypothetical
gains that could be achieved for the respective options if exercised at the end
of the option term. These amounts represent certain assumed rates of
appreciation in the value of the Company's common stock. The 5% and 10% assumed
annual rates of

                                        24


compounded stock price appreciation are mandated by rules of the Securities and
Exchange Commission and do not represent the Company's estimate or projection of
the future price of its common stock. The potential realizable value is
calculated based on the ten-year term of the option at its time of grant. It is
calculated based on the assumption that the Company's common stock appreciates
at the indicated annual rate compounded annually for the entire term of the
option and that the option is exercised and sold on the last day of its term for
the appreciated stock price. Actual gains, if any, on stock option exercises
depend on the future performance of the Company's common stock. The amounts
reflected in the table may not necessarily be achieved.

     The Company granted these options under its 1998 Stock Option Plan. Each
option has a maximum of ten years, subject to earlier termination if the
optionee's services are terminated. The percentage of total options granted to
the Company's employees in the last fiscal year is based on options to purchase
the aggregate of 129,500 shares of common stock granted during 2003. The
following table sets forth information concerning the individual grants to each
of the Company's named executive officers in 2003.

                             OPTION GRANTS IN 2003

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                                  POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
                       NUMBER OF    INDIVIDUAL GRANTS                               VALUE OF ASSUMED
                       SECURITIES   PERCENT OF TOTAL                              ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK
                       UNDERLYING    OPTIONS GRANTED                             PRICE APPRECIATION FOR
                        OPTIONS      TO EMPLOYEES IN    EXERCISE                       OPTION TERM
                        GRANTED        FISCAL 2003      PRICE PER   EXPIRATION   -----------------------
NAME(1)                  (#)(2)            (%)            SHARE        DATE          5%          10%
- -------                ----------   -----------------   ---------   ----------   ----------   ----------
                                                                            
S. Robert Harris.....    10,000            7.7            $5.24      4/1/2013     $ 32,954     $ 83,512
S. Robert Harris.....    30,000           23.2            $5.35     5/14/2013     $100,938     $255,795
</Table>

- ---------------

(1) No other executive officers in the Summary Compensation Table were granted
    stock options in 2003.

(2) Unless otherwise noted, 33 1/3 of these shares vest after one year of
    service from the date of the grant, and the remaining options vest in two
    equal annual installments thereafter. Each option expires on the earlier of
    ten years from the date of grant or within a specified period following
    termination of the optionee's employment with the Company.

     Shown below is information with respect to the unexercised options to
purchase the Company's Common Shares under the Company's Stock Option Plan held
by the Executive Officers listed in the Summary Compensation Table at December
31, 2003. None of the Executive Officers listed in the Summary Compensation
Table exercised any stock options during 2003.

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                     NUMBER OF SECURITIES          VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
                           SHARES                   UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED        IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
                          ACQUIRED      VALUE       OPTIONS AT 12/31/03 (#)           12/31/03 ($)(1)
                         ON EXERCISE   REALIZED   ---------------------------   ---------------------------
NAME                         (#)         ($)      EXERCISABLE   UNEXERCISABLE   EXERCISABLE   UNEXERCISABLE
- ----                     -----------   --------   -----------   -------------   -----------   -------------
                                                                            
Wayland J. Russell.....       0           0              0              0            0                 0
Michael J. Viveiros....       0           0              0              0            0                 0
S. Robert Harris.......       0           0              0         40,000            0           $91,100
Michael A. Pecchia.....       0           0         60,000              0            0                 0
Lawrence S.
  Hendricks............       0           0              0              0            0                 0
</Table>

- ---------------

(1) Calculated in the basis of the fair market value of the underlying
    securities at December 31, 2003, minus the exercise price.

     On May 5, 2003, the Company entered into a severance agreement and mutual
release with Lawrence S. Hendricks, the Company's former Chief Operating
Officer. Under the agreement, the Company agreed to pay an aggregate of
$280,500, an amount representing one year's salary and bonus, over a twelve
monthly period. In addition, the Company agreed to continue certain fringe
benefits, including insurance and country club dues, for a one-year period and
payment of Mr. Hendricks car lease for a two-year period. The severance payment
was to continue for a second year, in the event, Mr. Hendricks (i) failed to
gain full time

                                        25


employment either with a new employer or through commencement of a substantial
business venture; provided that there was no "change-in-control" of the Company.
Mr. Hendricks has commenced a new business venture that will result in the
Company having no obligation to make the second year severance payment.
Moreover, the Company's obligation to continue severance payments terminates on
the effective date of the purchase of the Company by Rent-A-Center.

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

     The following table sets forth certain information as March 1, 2004 or as
of the date specified, with respect to the beneficial ownership of the Common
Shares. Unless otherwise indicated below, the persons named below have the sole
voting and investment power with respect to the number of Common Shares set
forth opposite their names. All information with respect to beneficial ownership
has been furnished by the respective Director, Officer or 5% or greater
shareholder, as the case may be.

<Table>
<Caption>
NAMES AND, WHERE NECESSARY,                                  NUMBER OF SHARES    OWNERSHIP
ADDRESSES OF BENEFICIAL OWNERS(1)                           BENEFICIALLY OWNED   PERCENTAGE
- ---------------------------------                           ------------------   ----------
                                                                           
Wayland J. Russell........................................      2,536,675           42.7%
Michael J. Viveiros.......................................        255,620            4.3%
S. Robert Harris..........................................          3,334(2)
Michael A. Pecchia........................................         60,000(3)         1.0%
Ivan J. Winfield..........................................         12,000(4)           *
Brian L. Burton...........................................         15,000(4)           *
Robert A. Glick...........................................          7,667(5)           *
Wasatch Advisors, Inc. ...................................        951,301(6)        16.0%
  150 Social Hall Ave.
  Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Lawrence S. Hendricks.....................................        548,240            9.2%
  550 Boardman-Poland Road
  Boardman, Ohio 44512
Aaron Rents, Inc. ........................................        474,500(7)         8.0%
  309 E. Paces Ferry Road
  Atlanta, GA 30305-2377
All Directors and Executive Officers of the Company (7          2,890,296(8)        47.9%
  Persons)................................................
</Table>

- ---------------

 *  Less than one percent

(1) Unless otherwise indicated, the address of all persons listed above is c/o
    Rainbow Rentals, Inc., 3711 Starr Centre Drive, Canfield, Ohio 44406.

(2) Includes 3,334 shares subject to options that are currently exercisable.

(3) Includes 60,000 shares subject to options that are currently exercisable.

(4) Includes 10,000 shares subject to options that are currently exercisable.

(5) Includes 6,667 shares subject to options that are currently exercisable.

(6) As of December 31, 2003, based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on
    February 18, 2004.

(7) Based on a Schedule 13D, as amended, filed with the SEC on January 22, 2003.

(8) Includes 90,001 shares subject to options that are currently exercisable.

            SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

     Section 16(a) of the Securities Act of 1934 requires the Company's
Directors, Executive Officers and persons who own 10% or more of the Company's
Common Shares to file reports of ownership and changes of ownership with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and the Company. Based upon a review of these

                                        26


filings and written representations from such individuals, the Company
understands that all such filers have adhered to all applicable filing
requirements.

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

     The Company's headquarters facility is leased from an entity owned by
Messrs. Russell, Hendricks and Viveiros under a ten-year triple-net lease, with
three two-year options. In 2003, the rental amount was $130,000. The Company
believes that the rental is at market rates and that the other provisions of the
lease are on terms no less favorable to the Company than could be obtained from
unrelated parties.

     An amendment to the lease relating to the Company's headquarters has been
executed providing for (i) a payment by the acquiror (Rent-A-Center, or "RAC")
of $100,000 to the lessor and (ii) RAC's agreement to abandon to lessor all
furniture, fixtures and equipment not related to the rent-to-own business, in
exchange for an early termination of the lease. In lieu of expiring on January
31, 2006, the lease will now expire ninety days after the Effective Date of the
Merger.

ITEM 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

     During 2003, the Company retained its independent public accountants, KPMG
LLP, to provide services in the following categories and amounts:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                2003       2002
                                                              --------   --------
                                                                   
Audit Fees..................................................  $165,000   $133,000
Tax Fees....................................................     5,000      2,000
                                                              --------   --------
Total.......................................................  $170,000   $135,000
                                                              ========   ========
</Table>

     Audit Fees.  This category relates to services rendered in connection with
the audits of the Company's annual financial statements for the years ended
December 31, 2003 and 2002, for the reviews of the financial statements included
in the Company's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q during 2003 and 2002 and for
services that are normally provided by independent public accountants in
connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for the relevant
years.

     Tax Fees.  This category includes the aggregate fees billed in each of the
last two years for professional services rendered by the independent public
accountants for tax compliance. Such tax compliance services consisted of
assistance with federal income tax returns.

     The Audit Committee has considered the compatibility of the non-audit
services performed by and fees paid to KPMG LLP in 2003 and determined that such
services and fees were compatible with the independence of the public
accountants. During 2003, KPMG LLP did not utilize any personnel in connection
with the audit other than its full-time, permanent employees.

     All services provided by the Company's independent public accountants, both
audit and non-audit, must be pre-approved by the Audit Committee. The Chairman
of the Audit Committee has the authority to approve any additional audit
services and permissible non-audit services, provided the Chairman informs the
Audit Committee of such approval at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

                                        27


                                    PART IV

ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

     (a)(1) Financial Statements:

<Table>
                                                           
Independent Auditors' Report................................  28
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2003 and       29
  2002......................................................
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended         30
  December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001..........................
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the       31
  Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001..............
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended     32
  December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001..........................
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..................  33
</Table>

     (a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules:

     All financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not
applicable or because required information is included in the Company's
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

     (a)(3) Exhibits:

     See the Index to Exhibits included on page 45.

     (b) Reports on Form 8-K:

     Report on Form 8-K dated October 29, 2003 to report the results of
operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2003.

     Report on Form 8-K dated February 4, 2004 to announce a definitive merger
agreement between the Company and Rent-A-Center, Inc.

                                        28


                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Rainbow Rentals, Inc.:

     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Rainbow
Rentals, Inc. as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related consolidated
statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years
in the three-year period ended December 31, 2003. These consolidated financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial
statements based on our audits.

     We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.

     In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Rainbow
Rentals, Inc. as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America.

                                          /s/ KPMG LLP
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          KPMG LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
February 26, 2004

                                        29


                             RAINBOW RENTALS, INC.

                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                   DECEMBER 31,
                                                              -----------------------
                                                                 2003         2002
                                                              ----------   ----------
                                                              (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                     
                                       ASSETS
Current assets
  Cash and cash equivalents.................................   $   669      $ 1,080
  Rental-purchase merchandise, net..........................    40,545       39,342
  Income tax receivable.....................................        --          939
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets.................     2,264        1,926
                                                               -------      -------
     Total current assets...................................    43,478       43,287
Property and equipment, net.................................     6,374        5,558
Deferred income taxes.......................................     4,230        1,989
Goodwill....................................................     9,236        9,236
Other assets, net...........................................       333          843
                                                               -------      -------
     Total assets...........................................   $63,651      $60,913
                                                               =======      =======

                        LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
  Deferred revenue..........................................   $ 1,075      $ 1,215
  Accounts payable..........................................     1,550        2,175
  Accrued compensation and related costs....................     2,971        2,402
  Other liabilities and accrued expenses....................     3,209        2,403
  Deferred income taxes.....................................     8,888        6,343
                                                               -------      -------
     Total current liabilities..............................    17,693       14,538
Long-term debt..............................................     6,154        7,550
Minority interest...........................................        83           --
                                                               -------      -------
     Total liabilities......................................    23,930       22,088
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity
  Serial preferred stock, no par value; 2,000,000 shares
     authorized, none issued................................        --           --
  Common stock, no par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized,
     6,392,610 issued, 5,931,819 outstanding at December 31,
     2003 and 5,929,319 outstanding at December 31, 2002....    11,039       11,039
  Additional paid-in capital................................        11            4
  Retained earnings.........................................    30,553       29,674
  Treasury stock, at cost, 460,791 shares at December 31,
     2003 and 463,291 shares at December 31, 2002...........    (1,882)      (1,892)
                                                               -------      -------
     Total shareholders' equity.............................    39,721       38,825
                                                               -------      -------
     Total liabilities and shareholders' equity.............   $63,651      $60,913
                                                               =======      =======
</Table>

          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
                                        30


                             RAINBOW RENTALS, INC.

                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                    YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              ------------------------------------
                                                                 2003         2002         2001
                                                              ----------   ----------   ----------
                                                                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT
                                                                       PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
                                                                               
Revenues
  Rental revenue............................................  $   96,826   $   93,239   $   88,770
  Fees......................................................       2,679        2,728        2,697
  Merchandise sales.........................................       3,168        3,300        3,088
                                                              ----------   ----------   ----------
       Total revenues.......................................     102,673       99,267       94,555
Operating expenses
  Merchandise costs.........................................      33,346       33,995       33,310
  Store expenses
    Salaries and related....................................      26,849       24,393       22,713
    Occupancy...............................................      10,022        9,480        8,607
    Advertising.............................................       6,884        6,167        5,928
    Other expenses..........................................      14,397       13,494       13,258
                                                              ----------   ----------   ----------
       Total store expenses.................................      58,152       53,534       50,506
                                                              ----------   ----------   ----------
       Total merchandise costs and store expenses...........      91,498       87,529       83,816
  General and administrative expenses.......................       8,765        7,706        7,160
  Amortization of intangibles...............................         160          175          689
                                                              ----------   ----------   ----------
       Total operating expenses.............................     100,423       95,410       91,665
                                                              ----------   ----------   ----------
       Operating income.....................................       2,250        3,857        2,890
Interest expense............................................         570          632          689
Other expense, net..........................................         227          228          227
                                                              ----------   ----------   ----------
       Income from continuing operations, before income
         taxes..............................................       1,453        2,997        1,974
Income tax expense..........................................         574        1,184          800
                                                              ----------   ----------   ----------
       Income from continuing operations....................         879        1,813        1,174
Discontinued operations
  Loss from operations of discontinued store, including loss
    on disposal, net of tax.................................          --         (172)          --
                                                              ----------   ----------   ----------
       Net income...........................................  $      879   $    1,641   $    1,174
                                                              ==========   ==========   ==========
BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE:
  Basic earnings per share from continuing operations.......  $     0.15   $     0.31   $     0.20
  Basic loss per share from discontinued operations.........          --        (0.03)          --
                                                              ----------   ----------   ----------
       Basic earnings per share.............................  $     0.15   $     0.28   $     0.20
                                                              ==========   ==========   ==========
DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE:
  Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations.....  $     0.15   $     0.31   $     0.20
  Diluted loss per share from discontinued operations.......          --        (0.03)          --
                                                              ----------   ----------   ----------
       Diluted earnings per share...........................  $     0.15   $     0.28   $     0.20
                                                              ==========   ==========   ==========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
  Basic.....................................................   5,929,435    5,928,006    5,925,735
                                                              ==========   ==========   ==========
  Diluted...................................................   5,940,598    5,940,606    5,940,999
                                                              ==========   ==========   ==========
PRO FORMA NET INCOME DATA:
  Net income as reported....................................  $      879   $    1,641   $    1,174
  Pro forma adjustment for goodwill amortization, net of
    tax.....................................................          --           --          312
                                                              ----------   ----------   ----------
  Pro forma net income......................................  $      879   $    1,641   $    1,486
                                                              ==========   ==========   ==========
PRO FORMA EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
  Basic.....................................................  $     0.15   $     0.28   $     0.25
                                                              ==========   ==========   ==========
  Diluted...................................................  $     0.15   $     0.28   $     0.25
                                                              ==========   ==========   ==========
</Table>

          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
                                        31


                             RAINBOW RENTALS, INC.

                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

<Table>
<Caption>
                                            YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003, 2002 AND 2001
                             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                COMMON STOCK                                                   TOTAL
                             -------------------     ADDITIONAL      RETAINED   TREASURY   SHAREHOLDERS'
                              SHARES      COST     PAID-IN CAPITAL   EARNINGS    STOCK        EQUITY
                             ---------   -------   ---------------   --------   --------   -------------
                                                       (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                         
Balance at December 31,
  2000.....................  5,925,735   $11,039         $--         $26,859    $(1,907)      $35,991
  Net income...............         --        --          --           1,174         --         1,174
                             ---------   -------         ---         -------    -------       -------
Balance at December 31,
  2001.....................  5,925,735    11,039          --          28,033     (1,907)       37,165
  Exercise of stock
     options...............      3,584        --           4              --         15            19
  Net income...............         --        --          --           1,641         --         1,641
                             ---------   -------         ---         -------    -------       -------
Balance at December 31,
  2002.....................  5,929,319    11,039           4          29,674     (1,892)       38,825
  Exercise of stock
     options...............      2,500        --           7              --         10            17
  Net income...............         --        --          --             879         --           879
                             ---------   -------         ---         -------    -------       -------
Balance at December 31,
  2003.....................  5,931,819   $11,039         $11         $30,553    $(1,882)      $39,721
                             =========   =======         ===         =======    =======       =======
</Table>

          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
                                        32


                             RAINBOW RENTALS, INC.

                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                 YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              ------------------------------
                                                                2003       2002       2001
                                                              --------   --------   --------
                                                                  (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                           
Cash flows from operating activities
  Income from continuing operations.........................  $    879   $  1,813   $  1,174
  Reconciliation of income from continuing operations to net
    cash provided by operating activities of continuing
    operations
    Depreciation of property and equipment and amortization
       of intangibles.......................................     2,444      2,480      2,990
    Depreciation and write-down of rental-purchase
       merchandise..........................................    26,550     27,635     26,950
    Purchases of rental-purchase merchandise................   (34,847)   (34,030)   (36,169)
    Rental-purchase merchandise disposed, net...............     7,094      6,511      6,414
    Deferred income taxes...................................       304      1,924        212
    Write-off of goodwill from sale of store................        --         --        260
    (Gain) loss on disposal of assets.......................        (3)       128       (100)
    (Increase) decrease in
       Income tax receivable................................       939       (826)       778
       Prepaid expenses and other assets....................      (330)       296       (450)
    Increase (decrease) in
       Accounts payable.....................................      (625)    (1,742)     1,514
       Accrued income taxes.................................        --       (306)       306
       Accrued compensation and related costs...............       569        320        557
       Deferred revenue and other liabilities and accrued
         expenses...........................................       666        210        840
                                                              --------   --------   --------
         Net cash provided by operating activities of
           continuing operations............................     3,640      4,413      5,276
         Net cash used in operating activities of
           discontinued operations..........................        --       (197)        --
                                                              --------   --------   --------
         Net cash provided by operating activities..........     3,640      4,216      5,276
                                                              --------   --------   --------
Cash flows from investing activities
  Purchase of property and equipment, net...................    (2,290)    (2,494)    (2,017)
  Proceeds from the sale of assets..........................        39         98        349
  Cash from consolidation of Rainbow Properties, Ltd........         8         --         --
  Acquisitions..............................................        --       (315)      (245)
                                                              --------   --------   --------
         Net cash used in investing activities of continuing
           operations.......................................    (2,243)    (2,711)    (1,913)
         Net cash used in investing activities of
           discontinued operations..........................        --        (58)        --
                                                              --------   --------   --------
         Net cash used in investing activities..............    (2,243)    (2,769)    (1,913)
                                                              --------   --------   --------
Cash flows from financing activities
  Proceeds from long-term debt..............................    30,475     35,164     27,070
  Current installments and repayments of long-term debt.....   (32,300)   (37,054)   (29,970)
  Proceeds from stock option exercises......................        17         19         --
  Loan fees paid............................................        --       (335)       (50)
                                                              --------   --------   --------
         Net cash used in financing activities..............    (1,808)    (2,206)    (2,950)
                                                              --------   --------   --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents........      (411)      (759)       413
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period............     1,080      1,839      1,426
                                                              --------   --------   --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period..................  $    669   $  1,080   $  1,839
                                                              ========   ========   ========
Supplemental cash flow information
  Net cash paid (received) during the period for
    Interest................................................  $    469   $    488   $    694
    Income taxes............................................      (730)       560       (348)
</Table>

          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
                                        33


                             RAINBOW RENTALS, INC.

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

(1)  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     The significant accounting policies of Rainbow Rentals, Inc. ("Rainbow" or
"Company"), which are summarized below, are consistent with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America and reflect
practices appropriate to the industry in which the Company operates.

     The Company is engaged in the rental and sale of home electronics,
furniture, appliances, and computers to the general public. At December 31,
2003, Rainbow operated 125 stores in 15 states: Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana,
Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio,
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. The
Company's corporate office is located in Canfield, Ohio.

     Principles of Consolidation:  The Company's financial statements include
the accounts of Rainbow Rentals, Inc. and Rainbow Properties, Ltd., a variable
interest entity.

     Variable Interest Entities:  During the fourth quarter of the year ended
December 31, 2003, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 46 and No. 46
Revised (FIN 46), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation
of ARB No. 51. FIN 46 addresses consolidation by business enterprises of
variable interest entities (VIE's) that do not have sufficient equity investment
at risk to permit the entity to finance its activities without subordinated
financial support or which the equity investors lack an essential characteristic
of a controlling financial interest. The Company has one VIE, Rainbow
Properties, Ltd., which is a special purpose entity.

     Rainbow Properties, Ltd. ("LLC") is majority-owned by two of the Company's
officers and directors and primarily consists of land, building and the related
debt. The building is leased to the Company as an operating lease and houses the
Company's corporate headquarters. All the assets and liabilities of the LLC are
used for the purpose of operating the building. The two officers of the Company
that own the majority of the LLC have personally guaranteed the debt. The LLC
meets the criteria of a variable interest entity as the related party
relationship creates the presumption that the Company has provided an implicit
guarantee of the officers' investments and of the officers' personal guarantees.
The implicit guarantee is the Company's variable interest, and the Company is
considered the primary beneficiary of the LLC as the activities of the LLC are
most closely associated with the Company.

     As the Company is considered the primary beneficiary of the LLC, the assets
and liabilities of the LLC are included in the Company's consolidated balance
sheet. The difference between the assets and liabilities of the LLC is
considered a minority interest of the Company of $83. As of December 31, 2003,
the balance sheet of the LLC consisted of cash, property and equipment and debt
of $8, $504 and $429, respectively.

     Cash and Cash Equivalents:  Cash and cash equivalents include cash and
money market funds with original maturities of three months or less at the date
of purchase.

     Rental-Purchase Merchandise:  Rental-purchase merchandise consists of
merchandise rented to customers or in the stores available for rent or sale.
Merchandise is rented to customers pursuant to rental-purchase agreements, which
generally provide for weekly or monthly rental terms with rental renewal
payments collected in advance. The customers may terminate the rental-purchase
agreements at any time, at which time the merchandise is returned to the
Company.

     Rental-purchase merchandise is stated at historical cost, net of
accumulated depreciation. The Company depreciates inventory on rent using the
units of activity method. Under the units of activity method, merchandise on
rent is depreciated in the proportion of rents earned to total expected rents to
be provided over the rental contract term. The Company believes the units of
activity method more accurately matches the recognition of depreciation expense
with the estimated timing of revenue earned over the rental-purchase agreement
period. The units of activity method is recognized in the rental-purchase
industry and does not
                                        34

                             RAINBOW RENTALS, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

consider salvage value. In addition, the Company depreciates certain older
rental-purchase merchandise held for rent over its remaining useful life.

     The Company monitors the value of rental-purchase merchandise for possible
impairment. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amounts cannot be
recovered by the estimated undiscounted cash flows they will receive.

     Property and Equipment:  Property and equipment are recorded at cost, net
of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line
method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets, which range
from three to five years for personal property and thirty-nine years for real
estate. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the term of the
applicable leases or useful life of the assets.

     Goodwill:  Effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets. SFAS No. 142 establishes accounting and reporting standards for acquired
goodwill and other intangible assets in that goodwill and other intangible
assets that have indefinite useful lives will not be amortized but rather will
be tested at least annually for impairment, or more frequently if events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be
recoverable. Intangible assets that have finite useful lives will continue to be
amortized over their useful lives. For the year ended December 31, 2001,
earnings per diluted share of $0.20 included goodwill amortization of $312, net
of tax. Amortization expense related to goodwill was $525 for the year ended
December 31, 2001.

     Under SFAS No. 142, the Company was required to test all existing goodwill
for impairment as of January 1, 2002, on a "reporting unit" basis. A fair value
approach is used to test goodwill for impairment. An impairment charge is
recognized for the amount, if any, by which the carrying amount of goodwill
exceeds its implied fair value. The fair value of a reporting unit and the
related implied fair value of the respective goodwill were established using
comparative market multiples.

     In January 2002, the Company completed the transitional goodwill impairment
test in accordance with SFAS No. 142, which resulted in no impairment charge.
The Company performed the annual impairment test as of November 30, 2003 and
2002, resulting in no impairment.

     Other Assets:  Other assets consist primarily of noncompete agreements and
loan fees. These costs are amortized over their respective agreement lives.

     Long-Lived Assets:  In accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, the Company evaluates all
long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Impairment is
recognized when the carrying amounts of such assets cannot be recovered by the
undiscounted net cash flows they are expected to generate.

     Rental Revenue:  Merchandise is rented to customers pursuant to
rental-purchase agreements, which generally provide for weekly or monthly rental
terms. Rental revenue is recognized over the lease term. Deferred revenue is
recognized for cash received for which revenue is not yet earned. A customer may
elect to renew the rental-purchase agreement for a specified number of
continuous terms and has the right to acquire title either through payment of
all required rentals or through an early purchase option. Amounts received from
such early purchase options, as well as sales of new and used merchandise
available for rent in the stores, are included in merchandise sales.

     Stock-Based Compensation:  The Company has elected to apply Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees (APB
25), and related interpretations in accounting for its stock-based compensation.
In addition, the disclosures required under SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-
Based Compensation are contained below and in Note 12 to the financial
statements.
                                        35

                             RAINBOW RENTALS, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

     Pro forma information for net income and basic and diluted earnings per
common share is required by SFAS No. 123 and has been determined as if the
Company had accounted for its stock options under the fair value method of that
statement. The weighted average fair value of stock options granted during 2003,
2002 and 2001 was $3.08, $4.66 and $3.15 per share, respectively. The fair value
for these stock options was estimated at the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model using the following assumptions for 2003,
2002 and 2001:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                           2003        2002       2001
                                                         ---------   ---------   -------
                                                                        
Risk-free interest rate................................       4.16%       4.42%     4.25%
Expected life of options...............................  7.1 years   7.8 years   7 years
Expected stock price volatility........................         44%         60%       55%
Dividend yield.........................................          0%          0%        0%
</Table>

     The Company did not recognize any compensation expense related to the
issuance of stock options during the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and
2001. Had compensation cost for stock options been measured using SFAS No. 123,
the pro forma amounts for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 are
indicated below.

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                              2003     2002     2001
                                                              -----   ------   ------
                                                                      
Net income
  As reported...............................................  $ 879   $1,641   $1,174
  Pro forma.................................................    726    1,444      923
Basic and diluted earnings per common share
  As reported...............................................   0.15     0.28     0.20
  Pro forma.................................................   0.12     0.24     0.16
</Table>

     Advertising Costs:  Costs incurred for producing and communicating
advertising are charged to expense the first time advertising takes place.

     Income Taxes:  Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability
method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax
consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax
bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable
income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be
recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a
change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the
enactment date.

     Earnings Per Common Share:  Basic earnings per common share are based on
the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year.
Diluted earnings per common share are based on the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding during each year, plus the assumed exercise of stock
options.

     Use of Estimates:  The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
requires management to make estimates and assumptions based on available
information. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the
financial statements and the disclosures provided.

     Reclassifications:  Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years
financial data in order to conform to the 2003 presentation.

                                        36

                             RAINBOW RENTALS, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

(2)  ACQUISITIONS

     During the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, the Company made
acquisitions of stores, rental purchase merchandise and rental purchase
agreements. All acquisitions made were accounted for using the purchase method
of accounting. Accordingly, all identifiable tangible and intangible assets were
recorded at their estimated fair market value at the date of acquisition. The
excess of the acquisition cost over the estimated fair value of the net assets
acquired was recorded as goodwill and is being assessed for impairment annually.
Assets acquired, other than goodwill, consisted primarily of rental-purchase
merchandise, property and equipment, non-compete agreements and other intangible
assets such as customer lists.

     Acquisition activity for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
is as follows:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                              2003    2002   2001
                                                              -----   ----   ----
                                                                    
Goodwill....................................................  $ --    $138   $ 93
Rental-purchase merchandise.................................    --     127    127
Other.......................................................    --      50     25
                                                              -----   ----   ----
Purchase price..............................................  $ --    $315   $245
                                                              =====   ====   ====
</Table>

(3)  RENTAL-PURCHASE MERCHANDISE

     Following is a summary of rental-purchase merchandise at December 31, 2003
and 2002:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                               2003      2002
                                                              -------   -------
                                                                  
On rent
  Original cost.............................................  $59,666   $58,091
  Less accumulated depreciation.............................   27,568    27,131
                                                              -------   -------
                                                               32,098    30,960
Held for rent
  Original cost.............................................   11,944    12,150
  Less accumulated depreciation.............................    3,497     3,768
                                                              -------   -------
                                                                8,447     8,382
                                                              -------   -------
Total rental purchase merchandise, net......................  $40,545   $39,342
                                                              =======   =======
</Table>

                                        37

                             RAINBOW RENTALS, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

(4)  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

     Property and equipment consist of the following at December 31, 2003 and
2002:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                               2003      2002
                                                              -------   -------
                                                                  
Land........................................................  $   169   $    --
Buildings...................................................      425        --
Vehicles....................................................      284       286
Leasehold improvements......................................   10,088     8,656
Computer equipment..........................................    1,805     1,574
Office equipment............................................    3,551     3,193
                                                              -------   -------
                                                               16,322    13,709
Less accumulated depreciation...............................    9,948     8,151
                                                              -------   -------
                                                              $ 6,374   $ 5,558
                                                              =======   =======
</Table>

(5)  LONG-TERM DEBT

     The Company entered into a revolving financing agreement (the "Credit
Facility") in January 2002 that matures in January 2005. The agreement allows
the Company to borrow up to $25.0 million; however, borrowings are limited to
32% of the Company's rental purchase merchandise, less outstanding letters of
credit, which totaled $2.9 million at December 31, 2003. Excess availability at
December 31, 2003 was approximately $4.4 million. The Company's tangible assets,
primarily rental purchase merchandise, serve as the security for the debt. The
Company can elect interest to be charged on a portion of the outstanding debt
balance at the London Interbank Offering Rate (LIBOR) plus a range of 250-325
basis points and the remaining debt balance, if any, would be at the prime rate
plus a range of 50-125 basis points. In addition, the Company must pay a
commitment fee equal to a range of 37.5 to 50 basis points per annum on the
unused portion of the loan commitment. The interest rate ranges above are all
dependent on the Company's most recent quarterly leverage ratio. Borrowings
under the Credit Facility mature three years after the date of the loan. At
December 31, 2003, the outstanding loan balance totaled $5.7 million with a
weighted average interest rate of 5.78%. Long-term debt also included $429 in
mortgage debt from the consolidation of Rainbow Properties, Ltd., a variable
interest entity, with an interest rate of 8.0%. The above outstanding loans
mature in 2005.

     The Credit Facility requires the Company to meet certain quarterly
financial covenants and ratios including maximum leverage, minimum interest
coverage, minimum net worth, fixed charge coverage and rental merchandise usage
ratios. The Credit Facility contains non-financial covenants that limit actions
of the Company with respect to additional indebtedness, certain loans and
investments, payment of dividends, acquisitions, mergers and consolidations,
dispositions of assets or subsidiaries, issuance of capital stock, capital
expenditures and leases. At December 31, 2003, the Company was in compliance
with the covenants and financial reporting requirements.

(6)  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     The building that serves as Rainbow's corporate office is leased from
Rainbow Properties, Ltd. ("LLC"), the variable interest entity owned by Messrs.
Russell, Hendricks and Viveiros, two of who are executive officers of the
Company. The Company entered into a 10-year building lease agreement, expiring
January 2006, at a rental rate that approximates market rates. However, on
February 19, 2004, the LLC and the Company entered into a lease termination
agreement contingent upon the completion of the Merger

                                        38

                             RAINBOW RENTALS, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

Agreement with Rent-A-Center, dated February 4, 2004. If the Merger Agreement
with Rent-A-Center is completed, the Company's lease obligation will cease 90
days after the Merger completion date.

     Rent paid to the partnership in 2003, 2002 and 2001 was $130, $126 and
$121, respectively. The future minimum lease payments under this lease are
included in the total lease obligations disclosed in Note 9.

(7)  INCOME TAXES

     The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002
and 2001 consists of the following components:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                              2003     2002    2001
                                                              -----   ------   ----
                                                                      
Current
  Federal...................................................  $  --   $ (816)  $467
  State and local...........................................    270       76    121
                                                              -----   ------   ----
                                                                270     (740)   588
Deferred
  Federal...................................................    497    1,798    205
  State and local...........................................   (193)     126      7
                                                              -----   ------   ----
                                                                304    1,924    212
                                                              -----   ------   ----
Income tax expense..........................................  $ 574   $1,184   $800
                                                              =====   ======   ====
</Table>

     A reconciliation between income tax expense reported and income tax expense
computed by applying the federal statutory rate is as follows:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                              2003     2002     2001
                                                             ------   ------   ------
                                                                      
Income from continuing operations, before income taxes.....  $1,453   $2,997   $1,974
Federal statutory tax rate.................................      34%      34%      34%
                                                             ------   ------   ------
                                                                494    1,019      671
State and local income taxes, net of Federal income tax
  benefit..................................................      51      133       84
Meals and entertainment and officers' life insurance
  premiums.................................................      28       22       19
Other......................................................       1       10       26
                                                             ------   ------   ------
                                                             $  574   $1,184   $  800
                                                             ======   ======   ======
</Table>

                                        39

                             RAINBOW RENTALS, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

     The tax effects of principal temporary differences and the resulting
deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2003 and 2002 are as
follows:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                               2003      2002
                                                              -------   -------
                                                                  
Deferred tax assets
  Property and equipment....................................  $ 1,109   $ 1,369
  Intangibles...............................................      516       428
  Employee benefit programs.................................      341       256
  Charitable contributions..................................      329       258
  Minimum tax credits.......................................      280       280
  Net operating loss carryforward...........................    1,995        --
  Other.....................................................        8        22
                                                              -------   -------
     Total deferred tax assets..............................    4,578     2,613
Deferred tax liabilities
  Rental purchase merchandise...............................   (8,567)   (6,621)
  Intangibles...............................................     (642)     (346)
  Other.....................................................      (27)       --
                                                              -------   -------
     Total deferred tax liabilities.........................   (9,236)   (6,967)
                                                              -------   -------
     Net deferred tax liability.............................  $(4,658)  $(4,354)
                                                              =======   =======
</Table>

     For the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, deferred tax assets of $348
and $278, respectively, were classified as current and were netted with the
deferred tax liability.

     At December 31, 2003, the Company had a net operating loss carryforward
(NOL) of approximately $5.9 million and an alternative minimum tax credit
carryforward of $280. The NOL will expire in 2023 if the Company is unable to
use the amounts to offset taxable income in the future. The alternative minimum
tax credit carryforward does not have an expiration date. No valuation allowance
was considered for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 as management
expects to generate future taxable income to utilize these amounts.

(8)  DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

     The Company adopted SFAS No. 144, which superceded the accounting and
reporting provisions of APB Opinion 30, Reporting the Results of
Operations -- Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and
Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions. SFAS
No. 144 establishes a single accounting model for long-lived assets to be
disposed of by sales and broadens the presentation of an entity (rather than
segment of a business). A component of an entity comprises of operations and
cash flows that can be clearly distinguished from the rest of the entity. SFAS
No. 144 also requires that discontinued operations be measured at the lower of
the carrying amount or fair value, less cost to sell. The adoption of SFAS No.
144 resulted in the Company having a discontinued operation as a result of the
sale of its Newark, Delaware store. There are no restatements necessary for 2003
and 2001 since the Company opened and sold this store in 2002.

                                        40

                             RAINBOW RENTALS, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

     Operating results of discontinued operations were as follows for the year
ended December 31, 2002:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                              DECEMBER 31,
                                                                  2002
                                                              ------------
                                                           
Total revenues..............................................     $   41
Operating expenses
  Merchandise costs.........................................         10
  Store expenses
     Salaries and related...................................         56
     Occupancy..............................................         41
     Advertising............................................         48
     Other expenses.........................................         35
                                                                 ------
       Total store expenses.................................        180
                                                                 ------
       Total merchandise costs and store expenses...........        190
                                                                 ------
       Operating loss before income taxes...................       (149)
Income tax benefit..........................................        (59)
                                                                 ------
       Net loss from discontinued store.....................        (90)
Loss on disposal of discontinued store, net of tax..........        (82)
                                                                 ------
       Net loss from discontinued operations................     $ (172)
                                                                 ======
       Basic and diluted loss per share from discontinued
        operations..........................................     $(0.03)
                                                                 ======
</Table>

(9)  LEASES

     The Company operates its retail stores and offices under noncancelable
operating leases with terms extending to 2010 with additional option periods
renewable at the request of the Company. The Company also leases its delivery
and general use vehicles under operating lease arrangements. Rental expense
charged to operations totaled $9,078, $8,987 and $8,133 for the years ended
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Future minimum lease payments
under noncancelable operating leases (with initial or remaining lease terms in
excess of one year) as of December 31, 2003 are as follows:

<Table>
<Caption>
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,
- ------------------------
                                                           
2004........................................................  $ 8,805
2005........................................................    6,881
2006........................................................    4,676
2007........................................................    2,807
2008........................................................    1,661
Thereafter..................................................      609
                                                              -------
Total minimum lease payments................................  $25,439
                                                              =======
</Table>

(10)  RETIREMENT PLAN

     The Company maintains a qualified defined contribution retirement plan
under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The plan, which covers
substantially all employees, provides for the Company to make discretionary
contributions based on salaries of eligible employees plus additional
contributions based upon voluntary employee salary deferrals. Payments upon
retirement or termination of employment are based

                                        41

                             RAINBOW RENTALS, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

on vested amounts credited to individual accounts. During 2003, 2002 and 2001,
the Company contributed $32, $23 and $32, respectively.

(11)  OTHER ASSETS

     Following is a summary of other assets, net of accumulated amortization:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                              2003   2002
                                                              ----   ----
                                                               
Non-compete agreements, net.................................  $188   $576
Loan fees, net..............................................   111    223
Deposits and other..........................................    34     44
                                                              ----   ----
Other assets, net...........................................  $333   $843
                                                              ====   ====
</Table>

     Amortization expense related to other assets totaled $500, $530 and $448
respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001. Estimated
amortization expense of non-compete agreements and loan fees are $262, $32, $4
and $1 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007, respectively.

(12)  STOCK OPTION PLAN

     Rainbow sponsors a stock option and incentive plan for the benefit of the
employees and directors of the Company. A total of 600,000 shares of common
stock have been reserved under the plan, which provides for the grant of
options, which may qualify as either incentive stock options or nonqualified
stock options. Because all stock options were granted with an exercise price
equal to the market price on the date of grant, no compensation expense has been
recognized, consistent with the provisions of APB 25. Stock options granted
become exercisable over a three or four-year vesting period and expire ten years
from the date of grant.

     Following is activity under the plan during the years ended December 31,
2003, 2002 and 2001:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                     2003                 2002                 2001
                              ------------------   ------------------   ------------------
                                        WEIGHTED             WEIGHTED             WEIGHTED
                                        AVERAGE              AVERAGE              AVERAGE
                                        EXERCISE             EXERCISE             EXERCISE
                              SHARES     PRICE     SHARES     PRICE     SHARES     PRICE
                              -------   --------   -------   --------   -------   --------
                                                                
Outstanding, beginning of
  year......................  522,366    $8.30     425,800    $8.58     359,800    $9.79
Granted.....................  129,500     5.88     114,500     6.92     121,000     5.24
Exercised...................   (2,500)    6.97      (3,584)    5.05          --       --
Forfeited...................  (66,332)    6.72     (14,350)    6.39     (55,000)    9.21
                              -------              -------              -------
Outstanding, end of year....  583,034    $7.95     522,366    $8.30     425,800    $8.58
                              =======    =====     =======    =====     =======    =====
Exercisable at end of
  year......................  360,495              320,788              256,602
                              =======              =======              =======
Available for grant at end
  of year...................   10,882               74,050              174,200
                              =======              =======              =======
</Table>

                                        42

                             RAINBOW RENTALS, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

     The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding
and exercisable at December 31, 2003:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                         OPTIONS OUTSTANDING               OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
                              -----------------------------------------   ----------------------
                                            WEIGHTED AVERAGE   WEIGHTED    NUMBER OF    WEIGHTED
                                               REMAINING       AVERAGE      OPTIONS     AVERAGE
                                NUMBER        CONTRACTUAL      EXERCISE    CURRENTLY    EXERCISE
RANGE OF EXERCISE PRICES      OUTSTANDING     LIFE (YEARS)      PRICE     EXERCISABLE    PRICE
- ------------------------      -----------   ----------------   --------   -----------   --------
                                                                         
$ 5.03 - $ 5.25.............     86,500           7.5           $ 5.17       41,668      $ 5.15
$ 5.35 - $ 6.00.............     90,000           9.3             5.78        6,667        6.00
$ 6.30 - $ 7.11.............     94,459           8.7             6.83       20,168        6.98
$ 7.42 - $ 7.88.............     37,375           7.6             7.68       19,792        7.78
$ 8.88 - $ 9.25.............     30,000           6.1             9.00       30,000        9.00
$ 9.75 - $10.00.............    234,700           4.4            10.00      234,700       10.00
$11.63......................     10,000           6.5            11.63        7,500       11.63
                                -------                                     -------
                                583,034           6.6           $ 7.95      360,495      $ 9.02
                                =======           ===           ======      =======      ======
</Table>

(13)  EARNINGS PER SHARE

     Basic earnings per common share are computed using net income available to
common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares
outstanding. For computation of diluted earnings per share, the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding is increased to give effect to stock options
considered to be common stock equivalents.

     The following table shows the amounts used in computing earnings per share
for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                      2003         2002         2001
                                                   ----------   ----------   ----------
                                                                    
Numerator:
  Net income available to common shareholders....  $      879   $    1,641   $    1,174
Denominator:
  Basic weighted average shares..................   5,929,435    5,928,006    5,925,735
  Effect of dilutive stock options...............      11,163       12,600       15,264
                                                   ----------   ----------   ----------
  Diluted weighted average shares................   5,940,598    5,940,606    5,940,999
                                                   ==========   ==========   ==========
  Basic earnings per share.......................  $     0.15   $     0.28   $     0.20
                                                   ==========   ==========   ==========
  Diluted earnings per share.....................  $     0.15   $     0.28   $     0.20
                                                   ==========   ==========   ==========
</Table>

     Stock options of 401,538, 368,225 and 334,050 shares in 2003, 2002 and
2001, respectively, were not included in computed diluted earnings per share
because their effects were anti-dilutive.

(14)  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

     The Company is subject to claims and lawsuits in the ordinary course of its
normal operations. Outstanding matters of which the Company has knowledge are
covered by insurance, or in the opinion of management, would not have a material
adverse affect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of
the Company.

                                        43

                             RAINBOW RENTALS, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

(15)  SUBSEQUENT EVENT

     On February 4, 2004, Rent-A-Center, Inc. and the Company entered into a
definitive agreement pursuant to which Rent-A-Center will acquire the Company
for $16.00 in cash per share of Rainbow Rentals, Inc. common stock. The
agreement also provides that each holder of non-qualified stock options of
Rainbow Rentals, Inc. will receive an amount equal to the difference between
$16.00 per share and the exercise price of the option. The acquisition, which is
expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2004, is conditioned upon
customary closing conditions for a transaction of this nature, including the
receipt of requisite regulatory approval, approval of the Company's shareholders
and approval by the Company's primary lender. Management believes that the
Company's primary lender will approve the acquisition.

(16)  GUARANTEES AND PRODUCT WARRANTIES

     The Company has applied the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 45,
Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, including
Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, to its agreements that contain
guarantees or indemnification clauses. These disclosure requirements expand
those required by FASB Statement No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, by
requiring a guarantor to disclose certain types of guarantees, even if the
likelihood of requiring the guarantor's performance is remote.

     The Company provides standby letters of credit through its financial
institution to certain vendors and insurance providers. If the Company is not
able to make payment, the vendors and insurance providers may draw on our
financial institution. At December 31, 2003, the maximum future payment
obligations relative to these guarantees totaled $2.9 million, and no associated
liability was recorded.

     The Company provides free service on merchandise to its customers,
generally for 90 days beyond a product's rental term, which the Company records
an estimated liability for potential service calls. Estimated service calls are
based on historical factors, such as number of service calls, replacement parts
and labor costs. The Company has not experienced significant service calls for
products beyond its rental term.

                                        44

                             RAINBOW RENTALS, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

(17)  QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

     The following table represents certain unaudited financial information for
the periods indicated:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                           MARCH 31   JUNE 30   SEPTEMBER 30   DECEMBER 31
                                           --------   -------   ------------   -----------
                                                                   
Year ended December 31, 2003
  Revenue................................  $25,745    $25,775     $25,437        $25,716
  Merchandise costs and store expenses...   22,812     22,612      22,701         23,373
  Other operating expenses...............    2,070      2,443       2,183          2,229
                                           -------    -------     -------        -------
  Operating income.......................      863        720         553            114
  Interest and other expenses............      200        211         194            192
                                           -------    -------     -------        -------
  Operating income (loss)................      663        509         359            (78)
  Income tax expense (benefit)...........      262        201         142            (31)
                                           -------    -------     -------        -------
  Net income (loss)......................  $   401    $   308     $   217        $   (47)
                                           =======    =======     =======        =======
  Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per
     share...............................  $  0.07    $  0.05     $  0.04        $ (0.01)
                                           =======    =======     =======        =======
Year ended December 31, 2002
  Revenue................................  $24,965    $24,835     $24,344        $25,123
  Merchandise costs and store expenses...   22,075     21,571      21,578         22,305
  Other operating expenses...............    1,757      2,160       2,007          1,957
                                           -------    -------     -------        -------
  Operating income (loss)................    1,133      1,104         759            861
  Interest and other expenses............      242        224         191            203
                                           -------    -------     -------        -------
  Income from continuing operations,
     before income taxes.................      891        880         568            658
  Income taxes...........................      360        355         209            260
                                           -------    -------     -------        -------
  Income from continuing operations......      531        525         359            398
  Loss on discontinued operations, net of
     tax.................................       (2)       (49)        (25)           (96)
                                           -------    -------     -------        -------
  Net income.............................  $   529    $   476     $   334        $   302
                                           =======    =======     =======        =======
  Basic and diluted earnings per share...  $  0.09    $  0.08     $  0.06        $  0.05
                                           =======    =======     =======        =======
  Basic and diluted loss per share from
     discontinued operations.............  $    --    $ (0.01)    $    --        $ (0.02)
                                           =======    =======     =======        =======
</Table>

                                        45


                                   SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                          RAINBOW RENTALS, INC.

                                          By:    /s/ WAYLAND J. RUSSELL
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                     Wayland J. Russell
                                            Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on March 5, 2004.

<Table>
<Caption>
              SIGNATURES                                       TITLE
              ----------                                       -----
                                   

        /s/ WAYLAND J. RUSSELL             Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director
- --------------------------------------
          Wayland J. Russell


         /s/ S. ROBERT HARRIS                         Chief Operating Officer
- --------------------------------------
           S. Robert Harris


       /s/ MICHAEL J. VIVEIROS                         President and Director
- --------------------------------------
         Michael J. Viveiros


        /s/ MICHAEL A. PECCHIA              Chief Financial Officer (Serves as principal
- --------------------------------------           accounting and financial officer)
          Michael A. Pecchia


         /s/ BRIAN L. BURTON                                  Director
- --------------------------------------
           Brian L. Burton


         /s/ ROBERT A. GLICK                                  Director
- --------------------------------------
           Robert A. Glick


         /s/ IVAN J. WINFIELD                                 Director
- --------------------------------------
           Ivan J. Winfield
</Table>

                                        46


                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

<Table>
<Caption>
  EXHIBIT
   NUMBER                        DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
  -------                        -----------------------
            
   2.1*        Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated February 4, 2004, by and
               among Registrant, Rent-A-Center, Inc., and Eagle Acquisition
               Sub, Inc.
   3.1(1)      Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
   3.2(1)      Amended and Restated Code of Regulations
   4.1(2)      Security Agreement dated as of January 11, 2002 between the
               Company and National City Bank, as agent
   4.2(2)      Credit Agreement dated as of January 11, 2002 by and among
               the Company and The Guarantors Party Thereto and National
               City Bank, as agent and The Other Banks Party Thereto
  10.1(1)      1998 Stock Option Plan
  10.2(1)      Lease by and between the Company and Rainbow Properties,
               Ltd. dated January 1, 1996 for the Company's principal
               executive offices
  10.3*        Lease termination agreement by and between Rainbow
               Properties, Ltd. and the Company dated February 19, 2004.
  10.4(3)      Severance Agreement and Mutual Release, dated May 1, 2003,
               between Registrant and Lawrence S. Hendricks
  10.5(3)      Letter of Employment, dated May 6, 2003, between Registrant
               and S. Robert Harris
  10.6*        Letter, dated February 4, 2004, to Wayland J. Russell
  10.7*        Letter, dated February 4, 2004, to Michael J. Viveiros
  10.8*        Letter, dated February 4, 2004, to Michael A. Pecchia
  10.9*        Change-in-Control Agreement, dated February 4, 2004, between
               Registrant and S. Robert Harris
 14*           Code of Ethics for Executive Officers and All Senior
               Financial Officers
 23*           Consent of Independent Public Accountants
  31.1*        CEO certification pursuant to Section 302 of the
               Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  31.2*        CFO certification pursuant to Section 302 of the
               Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 32*           CEO and CFO certification pursuant to Section 906 of the
               Sarbanes-Oxley act of 2002
</Table>

- ---------------

(1) Incorporated by reference to an exhibit included in the Company's
    Registration Statement on Form S-1 (file no. 333-48769).

(2) Incorporated by reference to an exhibit included in the Company's 2001
    Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(3) Incorporated by reference to an exhibit included in the Company's Quarterly
    Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003.

 *  Filed Herewith

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